Pancreatic cancer is sometimes called a “silent disease” because its early symptoms can be mild, vague, or easily mistaken for other health problems. By the time more obvious symptoms appear, the disease may already be advanced. Recognizing possible warning signs does not mean assuming the worst, since many common conditions can cause similar symptoms, but persistent or unusual changes deserve medical attention. One important warning sign is jaundice, which can cause the skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow when a tumor interferes with the bile duct. Dark urine, pale stools, and unexplained itching may also occur.

Another possible sign is unexplained weight loss, especially when it happens without changes in diet or exercise. Some people also experience a reduced appetite. Persistent abdominal discomfort can be another warning sign, particularly when pain begins in the upper abdomen and sometimes extends toward the back. The pancreas is also closely involved in digestion, so changes in digestive function may occur. Bloating, nausea, indigestion, greasy or floating stools, and difficulty digesting fatty foods can all have many causes, but when several changes appear together, they may warrant evaluation. Another development that sometimes attracts attention is sudden or new-onset diabetes, particularly when it occurs alongside other unexplained symptoms.