The causes of pancreatic cancer are unclear. There is a higher rate of pancreatic cancer in individuals exposed to certain pesticides, who work in aluminum milling or with coal tar pitch, and in those exposed to certain chemicals such as naphthalene or benzidine. 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.