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Why does pancreatic cancer sometimes cause jaundice, and how is it treated?
Pancreatic cancer can cause jaundice, which means yellow skin or eyes. The pancreas is a gland behind your stomach.
Pancreatic cancer can cause jaundice, or yellow skin and eyes. The pancreas is a gland behind the stomach and in front of the spine. It makes juices that help break down food, plus hormones for blood sugar. Pancreatic cancer usually begins in the cells that make these digestive juices, so jaundice is one of the symptoms that can show up with this cancer.
Other symptoms include pain in the abdomen and back, weight loss, and fatigue. These symptoms are often vague, so they can be hard to notice at first. That is part of why pancreatic cancer is hard to catch early. The pancreas is also hidden behind other organs in the body. Because of this, providers cannot see or feel a tumor during a routine exam.
Doctors use a physical exam, blood tests, imaging, and a biopsy to check for it. Since it is often found late and spreads quickly, it can be hard to treat.
Possible treatments include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Targeted therapy uses drugs that attack cancer cells with less harm to normal cells.
Your care team can explain why jaundice is happening and which treatments may help.
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This page is educational, not medical advice. Talk with your care team about decisions that apply to you. If something feels urgent, contact your care team — for emergencies call your local emergency number.
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