Aiims Trained Gastroenterologist Shares 7 Silent Signs Of Pancreatic Cancer Sudden Diabetes Weight Loss And More

As such, its importance in an individual’s health is significant.

Pancreatic cancer is the growth of cancerous cells in the pancreas. According to Dr Saurabh Sethi, a California-based gastroenterologist trained in AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford Universities, this type of cancer is extremely concerning, not because it is very common, but rather because by the time people realise they have it, it has already advanced.

One of the hormones that the pancreas produces is insulin, which controls the blood sugar levels. A growing tumour in the pancreas disrupts insulin production before any pain or visible symptom ever appears, noted Dr Sethi. This leads to the new onset of diabetes.

If an individual is undergoing weight loss without any changes in diet or through exercise, a tumour is a likely cause. As Dr Sethi explained, “The tumour actively alters how your body processes and absorbs nutrients.”

Another odd symptom of pancreatic cancer is stools with the mentioned properties. This is because when the pancreas stops producing digestive enzymes properly, fat passes through undigested. “Most people ignore this for months,” cautioned the gastroenterologist.

As Dr Sethi explained, “The pancreas sits deep behind the stomach - pain often radiates to the back long before anything else becomes obvious.”

Yellowing of the skin or eyes is commonly associated with jaundice. According to Dr Sethi, “Jaundice happens when a tumour blocks the bile duct - for tumours in the head of the pancreas, this is often the first sign that leads to diagnosis. For tumours in the body or tail, it tends to show up much later.”

Since the pancreas is linked with the digestive system, any new nausea, loss of appetite or aversion to food with no clear cause deserves a workup, noted Dr Sethi.

“Bile salt buildup from a blocked duct causes full-body itching,” pointed out the gastroenterologist. “It's one of the most overlooked early warning signs I see.”

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

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Debapriya Bhattacharya is a Content Producer at Hindustan Times. He started his career in 2022, working in newsrooms in beats like education, US news, trending stories, and entertainment. In his new role in the lifestyle desk, he seeks to deliver a balanced blend of research-driven reporting and creative storytelling from health and recipes to art and culture. Science, philosophy, food and pop culture are what pump his veins and help bring heart to his stories. Debapriya tries to see out subjects that will allow him and readers to explore new frontiers and improve the quality of life for all. The explorations can be both external and internal, as thoughts seek to be as chaotic as the greater universe. As a citizen of the world, Debapriya has been fascinated by the lives of people across the globe throughout time. His curiosity leads him to explore new linguistic and cultural landscapes to broaden his horizons and deepen his understanding of global narratives. Beyond the newsroom, Debapriya loves to participate in debate and theatre, spaces that he considers to be holy grounds for nuance and self-expression. A graduate from Ashutosh College, University of Calcutta, Debapriya completed his Master's degree from the same university in 2022. An ambiverted bibliophile, he loves his solitude as much as he adores stimulating conversations. And despite his reverence for tech, libraries continue to be his favourite place for research.Read More