• Published on: May 07, 2022
  • 2 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

Pancreatic Cancer - Cause Symptoms Diagnosis & Treatment

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What is pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the pancreas. The pancreas is a large gland that sits behind the stomach and helps the body digest food. Pancreatic cancer is often called a “silent killer” because it often grows without symptoms until it is too late to treat.

What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer?

The most common symptom of pancreatic cancer is pain in the abdomen or back. Other symptoms can include weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), nausea, vomiting, and changes in stool.

The pancreas is a gland located in the abdomen, behind the stomach. The pancreas helps with digestion by releasing enzymes into the small intestine to help break down food. It also produces hormones, including insulin and glucagon, which help regulate blood sugar levels. Pancreatic cancer is relatively rare, accounting for about 3 percent of all cancers and 7 percent of all cancer deaths. However, it is one of the most aggressive and deadly types of cancer, with a five-year survival rate of just 9 percent.

Pancreatic cancer is a serious and life-threatening condition that Riconsincomen sometimes leads to death. It is important to caught early for the best possible chance for successful treatment. The most common symptom of pancreatic cancer is pain in the abdomen or back. Other symptoms may include jaundice, weight loss, appetite loss, and fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor so they can properly diagnose you.

Pancreatic cancer starts when cells in the pancreas begin to grow out of control. These cells can form into a tumor which can then spread to other parts of the body. Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that affects the pancreas, a small organ located behind the stomach. The pancreas produces enzymes that help break down food in the digestive process, as well as hormones that regulate blood sugar levels. The cause of pancreatic cancer is not fully understood, but there are some risk factors that have been identified. These include smoking, obesity, diabetes, and certain genetic conditions. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer can be vague and nonspecific, making it difficult to diagnose in its early stages. Common symptoms include weight loss, abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin), and fatigue.

Pancreatic cancer is a serious and often fatal disease. It is important to be aware of the symptoms, causes and treatment options for this disease. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer can include pain in the abdomen or back, weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of the skin), appetite loss and fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor immediately for diagnosis and treatment. Pancreatic cancer is caused by the abnormal growth of cells in the pancreas. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including genetic predisposition, smoking and certain health conditions such as diabetes.

Pancreatic cancer is a condition in which malignant (cancerous) cells form in the tissues of the pancreas.  The pancreas is a small, pear-shaped gland located behind the stomach. It has two main types of cells: Exocrine cells make enzymes that help digestion. About 95% of pancreatic cancers arise from these cells. Adenocarcinomas are the most common type of pancreatic cancer and usually develop from exocrine cells. Other types of tumors that begin in exocrine cells include acinar cell carcinomas, ductal adenocarcinomas, and mucinous adenocarcinomas.

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Every year, approximately 44,000 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and 37,000 people die from the disease.  The pancreas is an organ located behind the stomach that produces enzymes that help digestion and produces insulin and other hormones. Pancreatic cancer usually starts in cells in the part of the pancreas called the exocrine pancreas. Small tube-like ducts carry digestive enzymes from these exocrine cells to the small intestine.

There are many potential causes of pancreatic cancer. smoking is the leading cause. Other potential causes include heavy alcohol use, obesity, and diabetes. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer can be hard to spot in the early stages. They may include abdominal pain, bloating, jaundice (yellowing of the skin), and weight loss. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor right away for an accurate diagnosis. 

The pancreas is a large gland that sits behind the stomach and next to the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). The pancreas has two main functions: to produce digestive juices that help break down food and to produce hormones such as insulin (which helps control blood sugar levels). Pancreatic cancer usually starts in the cells that line the ducts of the pancreas.

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Heart Related Health Issues: Early Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore

Heart related health issues remain one of the leading causes of illness and death worldwide. Despite advancements in medical care, many heart conditions are diagnosed late because early symptoms are subtle, misunderstood or ignored. Understanding early warning signs of heart related health issues is crucial, as timely action can prevent life-threatening events such as heart attacks and strokes.

Public health data consistently shows that most cardiovascular events are preceded by warning signals that appear weeks, months or even years earlier. Recognising these signs allows for early intervention and better long-term outcomes.

 

What Are Heart Related Health Issues?

Heart related health issues include conditions that affect:

  • the heart muscle
     

  • coronary arteries
     

  • heart valves
     

  • electrical system of the heart
     

Common conditions include coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias and hypertension-related heart damage.

 

Why Heart Problems Often Go Unnoticed

Heart disease is often called a “silent killer” because:

  • symptoms develop gradually
     

  • early signs are mild
     

  • discomfort is mistaken for fatigue or indigestion
     

  • people delay medical evaluation
     

Unfortunately, waiting for severe pain or emergencies increases risk.

 

Early Warning Signs of Heart Related Health Issues

Chest Discomfort

Chest pain or discomfort is the most recognised warning sign, but it does not always feel severe.

It may present as:

  • pressure
     

  • tightness
     

  • heaviness
     

  • burning sensation
     

Chest discomfort may come and go and worsen with exertion.

 

Breathlessness

Shortness of breath during routine activities or at rest may indicate:

  • reduced heart pumping capacity
     

  • fluid buildup in lungs
     

Breathlessness is often an early sign of heart failure or coronary disease.

 

Unusual Fatigue

Persistent, unexplained fatigue can signal reduced blood supply to the body.

People may notice:

  • exhaustion after minimal activity
     

  • reduced stamina
     

  • prolonged recovery after exertion
     

Fatigue is frequently overlooked as stress or ageing.

 

Palpitations or Irregular Heartbeat

Feeling the heart race, flutter or skip beats may indicate rhythm disturbances.

Symptoms include:

  • rapid heartbeat
     

  • pounding sensation
     

  • irregular pulse
     

Some arrhythmias increase stroke risk if untreated.

 

Dizziness or Lightheadedness

Reduced blood flow to the brain can cause:

  • dizziness
     

  • fainting spells
     

  • imbalance
     

These symptoms may signal heart rhythm or blood pressure issues.

 

Swelling in Legs or Ankles

Fluid retention in lower limbs suggests:

  • weakened heart function
     

  • poor circulation
     

Swelling often worsens by evening and improves overnight.

 

Pain in Other Areas

Heart-related pain may radiate to:

  • left arm
     

  • neck
     

  • jaw
     

  • back
     

  • upper abdomen
     

This atypical pain is common and frequently misdiagnosed.

 

Symptoms That Are More Common in Women

Women may experience:

  • nausea
     

  • jaw pain
     

  • back pain
     

  • extreme fatigue
     

  • shortness of breath without chest pain
     

These non-classic symptoms often delay diagnosis.

 

Risk Factors for Heart Related Health Issues

Major risk factors include:

  • high blood pressure
     

  • diabetes
     

  • high cholesterol
     

  • smoking
     

  • obesity
     

  • sedentary lifestyle
     

  • chronic stress
     

  • family history
     

Risk increases when multiple factors coexist.

 

Why Early Detection Is Critical

Early diagnosis:

  • prevents heart attacks
     

  • reduces heart muscle damage
     

  • lowers hospitalisation risk
     

  • improves quality of life
     

Most heart conditions are manageable when detected early.

 

How Heart Problems Are Diagnosed

Evaluation may involve:

  • blood pressure measurement
     

  • blood tests
     

  • electrocardiogram (ECG)
     

  • imaging studies
     

  • stress testing
     

Tests are chosen based on symptoms and risk profile.

 

Treatment and Management

Medical Management

Depending on the condition:

  • medications
     

  • lifestyle changes
     

  • monitoring
     

Early treatment slows disease progression.

 

Lifestyle Modification

Lifestyle plays a major role in heart health:

  • balanced diet
     

  • regular physical activity
     

  • stress management
     

  • adequate sleep
     

  • smoking cessation
     

Lifestyle changes significantly reduce risk.

 

Preventive Measures for Heart Health

  • regular health checkups
     

  • blood pressure and sugar monitoring
     

  • cholesterol screening
     

  • physical activity
     

  • heart-healthy diet
     

Prevention is the most effective strategy against heart disease.

 

When to Seek Immediate Medical Help

Seek urgent care if:

  • chest pain is severe or persistent
     

  • breathlessness occurs suddenly
     

  • fainting happens
     

  • pain radiates to arm or jaw
     

Prompt action saves lives.

 

Long-Term Impact of Ignoring Warning Signs

Ignoring early symptoms may lead to:

  • heart attack
     

  • stroke
     

  • heart failure
     

  • permanent heart damage
     

  • sudden cardiac events
     

Delayed care increases mortality risk.

 

Conclusion

Heart related health issues rarely appear suddenly without warning. The body often sends early signals such as chest discomfort, fatigue, breathlessness and palpitations long before emergencies occur. Recognising these early warning signs and seeking timely medical evaluation can prevent serious complications and save lives. Heart health requires awareness, proactive care and early action—because when it comes to the heart, ignoring symptoms is a risk no one should take.

 

References

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Cardiovascular Disease Report

  •  World Health Organization (WHO) – Cardiovascular Health Guidelines

  • National Heart Institute – Early Signs of Heart Disease

  • Lancet – Global Burden of Cardiovascular Disease Studies

  • Indian Journal of Cardiology – Heart Disease Detection and Preventio

  •  Statista – Heart Disease Trends and Risk Factors

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