As the cancerous tumor grows in size, symptoms can come and go – and are often viewed as harmless conditions. The charity Pancreatic Cancer UK recommends ordering with your GP if any of the following signs of the disease persist. Imbalance is one of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer – a painful, burning sensation in the chest. Depression can also leave a bitter, unpleasant taste in your mouth – and while it may be a sign of pancreatic cancer, it can also lead to other common complications.
A person may also be suffering from diarrhea and / or seizures, and the person may have been diagnosed with diabetes in the past year.
Other symptoms to note include loss of appetite, further digestive problems and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
The charity urges anyone suffering from jaundice to see A&E immediately, or to arrange an appointment with your GP as soon as possible.
For more digestive issues, it will help to understand that the pancreas plays an important role in breaking down food.
During digestion, the pancreas produces enzymes that break down sugars, fats and starch.
So, if a cancerous tumor disturbs the activity of the pancreas, a person can feel full very quickly, become bloated, get a lot of wind and burp.
Where is the pancreas in the body?
The pancreas organ gland located in the abdomen.
For any of the above symptoms, if you are not sure why they are happening, visit your GP if they last four weeks or longer.
The charity said: “If your doctor asks you to come back and see them later, make sure you do.”
Am I at risk of pancreatic cancer?
There is evidence that smoking, obesity and diabetes increase your risk of pancreatic cancer.
Your risk is also increased in old age, and if you have a family history of the disease.