Symptom #3: Loss of Appetite
Loss of appetite, or feeling full after eating only small amounts of food—known as early satiety—can also be an indicator of pancreatic cancer. As pancreatic tumors grow, they can compress surrounding organs like the stomach and intestines, disrupting the nerve and hormonal signals that regulate appetite. In addition, cancer cells release chemicals that further suppress hunger. All of these mechanisms significantly reduce the desire to eat, contributing to weight loss.
Symptom #4: Light-Colored Stools
If you notice unusually light-colored or pale brown stools, this can also indicate pancreatic cancer. Healthy stools have a normal brown color due to bilirubin. However, when pancreatic tumors obstruct the flow of bile, bilirubin cannot reach the intestines, and stools become abnormally pale. If these color changes persist, a medical evaluation is necessary, especially if symptoms of jaundice are present.
Symptom #5: Dark Urine
Dark urine can also be a sign of pancreatic cancer. Because obstructive tumors prevent bilirubin from being excreted in the stool, it accumulates in the blood and is eventually excreted in the urine, giving it a darker color. When bilirubin levels rise, urine can change from light yellow to amber, dark brown, or even very dark shades.
Symptom #6: Itchy Skin
High levels of bilirubin crystals deposited under the skin due to pancreatic tumors can also cause significant itching without a visible rash. The itching usually starts on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet but can spread widely as the bilirubin builds up through the body’s membranes. The eyes may also itch and water significantly.
