Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer in Men

Pancreas is situated behind the stomach, with its head on the right side and its tail (the narrowest part) on the left side of the abdomen. The tail lies next to the spleen. Pancreas is an important organ as it contains both exocrine and endocrine glands which regulate digestion and blood sugar levels. It releases pancreatic juices (enzymes) which promote digestion of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. The islets of Langerhans release insulin and glucagon, the two mutually antagonistic hormones which regulate blood glucose levels. When cancerous tumors in the pancreas interfere with its function, symptoms of pancreatic cancer are seen in men and women.

What causes pancreatic cancer in men? The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is unknown. But smoking, aging, being a male, family history of pancreatic cancer, diabetes, inflammation of pancreas (chronic pancreatitis), presence of gallstones, alcohol abuse increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. Men are more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than women.

Adenocarcinoma of the pancreas is the most common type of pancreatic cancer. It is the cancer of the exocrine glands in the pancreas and it is the most aggressive of all cancers. Pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma or 'islet cell tumor' is the cancer of the endocrine glands of the pancreas. Depending upon the type of pancreatic cancer, overall health of the person, stage of cancer, etc., various symptoms of pancreatic cancer are seen and they may vary from person to person.

Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms in Men

The common signs of pancreatic cancer are:

• Lethargy/fatigue: As the tumor develops, it affects the function of the pancreas and various processes related to pancreatic enzymes and hormones. Impaired digestion, fluctuations in blood glucose levels leads to excessive weakness and fatigue.
• Weight loss: Weight loss without any reason or effort indicates problem in the body systems.
• Indigestion: Since pancreas aids in food digestion, dysfunction of pancreas leads to several problems like indigestion, gas, etc. These are actually the early signs of pancreatic cancer but are always neglected.
• Jaundice: As the cancer interferes with the bile duct and affects the liver function, pale or yellowish skin, yellow eyes (whites of the eyes turning yellow), are noticed. Urine color also changes. Color of the urine becomes dark yellow.
• Abdominal Pain: Severe pain in the upper part of the stomach or abdomen (as the tumor pushes against the nerves) is experienced in case of pancreatic cancer.
• Change in appetite: As the exocrine and endocrine glands in the pancreas get affected due to tumors, the person notices a change in the appetite. Loss of appetite is a common symptom of various diseases and disorders, and hence it is always overlooked.
• Diarrhea: As the food ingested is not digested properly, one may experience diarrhea. In the absence of pancreatic enzymes, the digestive system becomes weak.
• Pain in the back: The abdominal pain slowly shifts to the back. Back pain may be felt after the meal or even when the person is lying down.
• Nausea and vomiting: Many times, impaired function of pancreas results in nausea and vomiting sensations.
• Changed color of stools: The stools may appear gray or clay-colored. As the tumor blocks the bile duct, the color of the stools changes. The stools may give out a strange odor. Steatorrhea (excess fat in stools) is also noticed.
• Paleness of skin: Due to digestive system problems and weakness, skin appears pale. Eyes may appear white or yellowish. Some people may experience itchy skin.
• Digestive system disorders: As release of pancreatic enzymes is affected due to cancer, various stomach problems develop.
• Diabetes: Since pancreatic cancer affects insulin and glucagon function, the person develops diabetes and experiences severe fluctuations in blood sugar levels. This can lead to dizziness, muscle spasms, weakness, etc.
• Fever: The patient may feel excessively thirsty all the time. Fever is accompanied by chills and shivering.
• Trousseau's sign: Suddenly, blood clots are developed in the portal blood vessels, deep veins of the arms and legs, or other superficial veins.

All these signs and symptoms can make the person nervous. Depression is also considered as one of the most common symptoms of pancreatic cancer. When the cancer metastasizes or spreads into other organs, pain in that area, and other symptoms related to dysfunction of the invaded organs are seen.

In the U.S. alone, more than 38000 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer every year. According to the American Cancer Society, pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of overall cancer death. You should never neglect the symptoms exhibited by your body. High death rate due to pancreatic cancer is attributed to diagnosis of the cancer in the advanced stage. Early detection of cancer can help increase the life expectancy of the patient. Excessive consumption of alcohol, smoking, etc. increase the chances of having pancreatic cancer. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help prevent pancreatic cancer.