When pancreatic cancer spreads to other areas of the body, a person may experience new symptoms that are not directly linked to the tumors in the pancreas.
In the later stages, pancreatic cancer starts spreading to other areas of the body. This is known as metastasis. New symptoms may emerge depending on where the cancer cells travel or form other tumors. This can include the liver, bones, kidneys, or lungs.
This article will review the signs and symptoms that a person may experience when pancreatic cancer has spread, the stage at which people typically receive a diagnosis, and the treatment options available.
Pancreatic cancer is a type of carcinoma that develops in the cells of the pancreatic duct. In the United States, it is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths.
Pancreatic cancer can cause several symptoms. However, these usually show up only
- jaundice
- abdominal pain
- itching
- weakness
- unexplained and sudden weight loss
- loss of appetite
- dark urine
- acholic stools, or pale-colored stool
- gallbladder distension, in which the gallbladder becomes inflamed or swollen
Learn more about pancreatic cancer symptoms.
In the later stages, pancreatic cancer can spread to other organs, such as the liver, lungs, bones, and kidneys. When this happens, a person may start experiencing symptoms specific to cancer in those areas of the body.
Symptoms in the liver
When cancer spreads to the liver, a person may experience additional symptoms
- lack of appetite or a tendency to feel full quickly
- diarrhea, which can be severe and watery
- black, tarry stools or other changes in bowel movements
- low blood glucose (hypoglycemia)
- high concentration of red blood cells in the blood (erythrocytosis)
- high calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia), which can cause muscle weakness and heart issues
- upper abdominal pain and distention
- ascites, or fluid buildup in the abdomen
- vomiting up blood (hematemesis)
- encephalopathy, or changes in the way the brain works
Symptoms in the bones
Pancreatic cancer that spreads to the bones
- bone pain
- pain when lifting or carrying weight
- swelling
- growth of masses on the bones
- bone tenderness when touched
- bone fractures
- skin changes
- open wounds
- nerve compression and pain due to the growth of tumor masses, especially in the spine
- hypercalcemia
- anemia due to bone marrow problems (myelophthisis anemia)
Pancreatic cancer most commonly spreads to the following bones:
- the spine, especially around the lungs, abdomen, and lower back
- the ribs
- the sacrum, or the end of the spinal cord
- the scapula, or shoulder blade
- the pelvis
Symptoms in the lungs
If pancreatic cancer spreads to the lungs, a person may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- chest pain
- coughing
- coughing up blood
- weight loss
- reduced appetite
- shortness of breath
Symptoms in the kidneys
Pancreatic cancer may spread to the kidneys. If this happens,
- blood in the urine
- abdominal or flank pain
- weight loss
- night sweats
- fever
In most cases, doctors find and diagnose pancreatic cancer once it is in the advanced stages. Pancreatic cancer
For the same reason, pancreatic cancer does not typically cause any symptoms until the cancer is large and has spread to other organs.
Still, having regular screening tests for this cancer can potentially help healthcare professionals spot any atypical formations in the pancreas in the early stages.
Screening for pancreatic cancer can involve MRI scans, endoscopic ultrasound, or specialized imaging such as magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography.
Doctors usually recommend screening
Screening is likely to be necessary annually or at intervals that a healthcare professional recommends.
Currently, the only cure available for pancreatic cancer is surgical resection. However, this is an option
Specialists may also use chemotherapy as a palliative treatment for people who cannot undergo surgery.
Palliative care professionals may provide an additional level of support to help address symptoms, pain, and quality of life issues when a person is getting treatment and in the later stages of cancer.
Doctors may also prescribe other medications to help with pain, including:
Learn more about treatments for pancreatic cancer.
People with pancreatic cancer can join a local cancer support group.
Many nonprofit organizations offer useful resources and ongoing support to people with this disease and their families, including:
Pancreatic cancer does not usually cause any symptoms until its later stages, when it has spread to other parts of the body. As the cancer progresses, people may develop jaundice, weight loss, loss of appetite, or other symptoms.
The specific signs that pancreatic cancer has spread will depend on where the cancer cells travel. Pancreatic cancer can spread to the lungs, kidneys, bones, or liver. Once the cancer reaches these areas, a person can experience various signs or symptoms specific to cancer in those regions.
A person should consult a healthcare professional for a diagnosis, which may require screening tests. The healthcare professional can advise on the next steps. Support is available through various nonprofit organizations or local groups.