All you need to know about pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer is a form of abdominal cancer in which cells in the pancreas grow abnormally. Usually, new cells form when the old cells die. But when this process breaks down, it could lead to the formation of new cells even when the old ones are still alive. These extra cells may form a mass of tissue called a tumor. These tumors may be benign or malignant. Benign tumors do not invade other parts of the body, and so, they are harmless. A malignant tumor grows out of control and spreads to other tissues and organs, leading to cancer. Pancreatic cancer spreads rapidly, and it can spreads to the organs situated nearby. It does not lead to any symptoms in the initial stages, because of which it may go undiagnosed for a long time. Symptoms Most often, the symptoms of this condition do not occur until an advanced stage. Some signs of pancreatic cancer are: The skin and the whites of the eyes turn yellow Fatigue Blood clots New-onset diabetes Depression Loss of appetite or weight loss Pain in the upper abdomen that may spread to the back Risk factors Chronic and hereditary pancreatitis Diabetes Smoking Obesity A family history of pancreatic cancer A family history of genetic syndromes that can increase the risk of cancer Race: