Signs of Pancreatic Cancer

Sadly, pancreatic cancer is all too common and claims more than 50,000 lives per year, according to the American Cancer Society. Further, more than 60,000 people will be diagnosed with this cancer in a given year. The good news is that early intervention can greatly improve your prognosis. When caught while still localized, pancreatic cancer has a five-year survival rate of about 44%, but if the cancer spreads throughout the body, the survival rate can drop to less than 5%. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding cancer in the pancreas and live in the vicinity of Margate, FL, contact Dr. Vladimir Donchev as soon as possible.

Given the above, you’ll want to keep a close eye out for warning signs that you or a loved one are suffering from this serious disease. While pancreatic cancer can be difficult to detect without proper medical training and diagnostic tools, watching for red flags can save lives.

Common Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

 Pain is one of the first symptoms that many people notice. This pain is typically localized to the back and/or sides. Of course, many things can cause pain in the abdomen. Trying to figure out which condition is causing your aches can be rather tricky if you don’t have medical training and access to top-notch equipment.

Jaundice, meanwhile, can turn the whites of your eyes yellow. Other things may change color as well. For example, urine might darken and stool could become lighter in color. You may also lose weight inexplicably and your hunger might vanish. Many patients also report itchy skin and suffering from a high temperature.

Folks living in or near Margate, FL, who are worried about pancreatic cancer should come see Dr. Donchev right away. Remember, the clock is ticking, and early intervention can save lives.

Pinning Down Pancreatic Cancer

 For better or worse, pancreatic cancer shares symptoms with various other (often less deadly) diseases and conditions, and symptoms often do not appear at all until its later stages. As a result, pancreatic cancer can go unnoticed for a long time. Even your family doctor could miss the warning signs. As such, if you’re experiencing jaundice, it’s smart to reach out to a specialist. A doctor who specializes in pancreatic and liver cancer will be in a better spot to diagnose your condition.

Remember, time is of the essence. If you catch the cancer early, your long-term prognosis is much better (on average). Searching for cancer and monitoring for warning signs can be worrisome, but when it comes to serious diseases, ignorance of your condition is certainly not bliss. Fortunately, folks living in or near Margate, FL, can schedule an appointment with Dr. Donchev. Call (754) 220 8100 to schedule an appointment or share your concerns.