Additionally, high fat diets, alcohol abuse, diabetes, and chronic pancreatitis have possible associations with pancreatic cancer. In the early stages, pancreatic cancer generally produces no symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms appear based on the location of the tumor within the pancreas and may include pain, loss of appetite, indigestion, weight loss, jaundice and generalized weakness. Pancreatic cancer is very difficult to diagnose. Your physician may attempt to biopsy the tumor in your pancreas.
Blood tests are also part of the evaluation for pancreatic cancer.
Blood tests provide information about the functioning of the pancreas and are used to identify tumor markers. Tumor markers are substances present in abnormal amounts in some people who have pancreatic cancer. Many factors determine which method of treatment is appropriate for each individual. Surgery may be recommended to remove the collection of cancerous cells. Chemotherapy , treatment with drugs that kill cancer cells, may be recommended.