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What You Need To Know About™ Cancer of the Pancreas
    Posted: 02/08/2002    Updated: 09/16/2002



Introduction






The Pancreas






Understanding Cancer






Pancreatic Cancer: Who's at Risk?







Symptoms






Diagnosis






Staging






Treatment






Getting a Second Opinion






Preparing for Treatment






Methods of Treatment






Side Effects of Treatment






Surgery






Radiation Therapy






Chemotherapy






Pain Control






Nutrition






Followup Care






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Symptoms

Pancreatic cancer is sometimes called a "silent disease" because early pancreatic cancer often does not cause symptoms. But, as the cancer grows, symptoms may include:

  • Pain in the upper abdomen or upper back

  • Yellow skin and eyes, and dark urine from jaundice

  • Weakness

  • Loss of appetite

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Weight loss

These symptoms are not sure signs of pancreatic cancer. An infection or other problem could also cause these symptoms. Only a doctor can diagnose the cause of a person's symptoms. Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor so that the doctor can treat any problem as early as possible.

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