Characteristics Of Abdominal Pain In Pancreatic Cancer

Abdominal pain is a common symptom that can occur in many conditions, and it does not have clear specificity when associated with pancreatic cancer. This means that pain alone cannot confirm or rule out the presence of pancreatic cancer. Most patients experience a feeling of bloating or discomfort around the navel or upper abdomen. In the early stages, this discomfort is often mistaken for general stomach issues or gastritis.

It's important to note that standard gastroscopy examination may not reveal any ulcers or acute inflammation in the gastric mucosa, which suggests the need to consider other underlying causes. If symptoms persist without an obvious explanation, further diagnostic steps should be considered.

In cases where abdominal pain worsens, even after ruling out gallbladder stones or bile duct stones through examination, blood tests such as CA19-9 and CEA tumor markers should be performed. These biomarkers can provide additional clues about the possibility of pancreatic cancer. Complementing these tests with an enhanced CT scan of the upper abdomen is crucial for detecting any space-occupying lesions in the pancreas.

Due to the deep anatomical location of the pancreas, symptoms like abdominal pain often lack distinct characteristics. As a result, imaging studies such as contrast-enhanced CT scans are typically required for an accurate diagnosis. Unexplained feelings of fullness in the upper abdomen, unexplained weight loss, or new-onset diabetes could all be potential indicators of pancreatic disease.

If these symptoms appear together or persist over time, a contrast-enhanced CT scan of the upper abdomen should be strongly considered to rule out serious conditions, including pancreatic cancer. Early detection remains one of the most effective strategies for improving outcomes in such cases.