The pancreas, a gland in the abdomen, plays an important role in both digestion and hormone regulation. When it malfunctions, it can lead to a range of serious health issues, including acute or chronic pancreatitis, fatty pancreas, pancreatic cancer, and pancreatic endocrine or exocrine insufficiency. Hence it is important to know the early warning signs of pancreatic damage to prevent life-threatening complications. So what are these signs? We got in touch with Dr Sushrut Singh, Additional Director, Gastroenterology, Fortis Hospital, Noida who shares red flags to watch out for!

1. Persistent Abdominal Pain

Chronic pancreatitis often occurs as a continuous, nagging pain in the upper abdomen, which may radiate to the back. This discomfort can also come with a loss of appetite, weight loss, and chronic diarrhoea. “Diarrhea caused by pancreatic dysfunction often happens with oily stools that float, stick to the toilet bowl, and are difficult to flush. In cases of acute pancreatitis, the pain is sudden and severe, and peaks within 30 minutes to an hour. It may radiate to the back and is often accompanied by symptoms like abdominal distension, fever, nausea, shortness of breath, and low blood pressure. Severe cases can lead to sepsis, renal failure, and even death if not treated promptly,” he said.

Dr Singh shares that pancreatic disorders often disrupt digestion, causing symptoms like:

- Bloating and indigestion

- Nausea or vomiting

- Diarrhea or constipation

These symptoms can overlap with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, it’s important to seek medical attention if they worsen or change suddenly.

Weight loss without any effort or change in diet can be an early sign of pancreatic damage, including pancreatic cancer. This can result from decreased insulin production or a lack of digestive enzymes, leading to poor nutrient absorption.

Dr Singh shares that fatty pancreas and pancreatic insufficiency often lead to clay-coloured or oily stools that have a foul smell and leave an oily film in the toilet. These stools are a sign that the pancreas isn’t producing enough enzymes to digest fat effectively.

In cases of pancreatic cancer, symptoms like jaundice may appear as a result of bile duct obstruction. Jaundice may also be accompanied by itchy skin, darker urine, and pale stools. While these symptoms may not always indicate cancer, they shouldn’t be ignored.

Why Are These Signs Important?

Early symptoms of pancreatic diseases, especially cancer, are often subtle and easy to dismiss. However, catching these signs early can significantly improve outcomes.

Dr Singh shares the triggers of pancreatic damage:

- Acute Pancreatitis: Often triggered by heavy alcohol consumption or gallstones blocking the pancreatic duct.

- Chronic Pancreatitis: Prolonged inflammation can lead to permanent damage, often linked to lifestyle factors.

- Fatty Pancreas: Similar to fatty liver, this condition is caused by poor diet and obesity.

- Pancreatic Cancer: Though its exact causes vary, factors like smoking, diabetes, and chronic pancreatitis increase the risk.

If pancreatic disease is suspected, doctors may recommend:

- Blood Tests: Amylase, lipase, and CA 19-9 (a cancer marker).

- Stool Tests: Fecal elastase to assess enzyme levels.

- Imaging: Ultrasound, CT scans, Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS), and PET CT for cancer detection.

Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Health and around the world.