Pancreatic exocrine cancer, primarily pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, is a serious condition that often affects seniors and can be challenging to detect early because its symptoms tend to be subtle or nonspecific at first. Recognizing the signs in older adults is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
One of the most noticeable signs is **jaundice**, which is the yellowing of the skin and eyes. This occurs when a tumor blocks the bile duct, preventing bile from draining properly. Along with jaundice, seniors may notice **dark urine**, **pale or greasy stools**, and **itchy skin**. These symptoms arise because bile pigments build up in the body when bile flow is obstructed.
Another common symptom is **pain**, often described as a dull, persistent ache in the upper abdomen or back. This pain may worsen over time and sometimes eases when leaning forward. The tumor can press on nearby nerves or organs, causing this discomfort. Unlike the sudden, severe pain seen in pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer pain tends to be more constant and less sharp.
**Unintended weight loss** and a **loss of appetite** are frequent signs in seniors with pancreatic exocrine cancer. This weight loss can be due to poor digestion caused by the tumor interfering with enzyme release or metabolic changes triggered by the cancer itself. Seniors might also experience **digestive difficulties** such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, or indigestion. Fat digestion problems can lead to oily, foul-smelling, or floating stools, known as steatorrhea, indicating that the pancreas is not producing enough digestive enzymes.
A sudden onset of **diabetes** or worsening control of existing diabetes in an older adult can also be a warning sign. Pancreatic cancer can damage insulin-producing cells, leading to new or worsening diabetes, especially in people over 50 who develop diabetes without a clear cause.
Other signs that might be observed include a palpable mass in the abdomen, although this is less common and usually appears in more advanced stages. Some seniors may also experience general symptoms like fatigue, weakness, or depression, which can be easily overlooked or attributed to aging or other illnesses.
Because pancreatic cancer symptoms often overlap with other conditions and may not appear until the disease is advanced, doctors use a combination of physical exams, blood and urine tests, and imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scans, MRI, or endoscopic procedures to diagnose the cancer and determine its stage.
In summary, the key signs of pancreatic exocrine cancer in seniors include:
– Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
– Dark urine and pale or greasy stools
– Persistent upper abdominal or back pain
– Unintended weight loss and loss of appetite
– Digestive problems like bloating, nausea, and fatty stools
– New or worsening diabetes in older adults
– Fatigue and general weakness
Because these symptoms can be subtle and develop gradually, any persistent or unusual changes in digestion, weight, or skin color in seniors should prompt medical evaluation to rule out pancreatic cancer or other serious pancreatic conditions.