A 61-year-old man was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer without pain or itching!
Uncle Li is 61 years old this year, and his life after retirement was originally leisurely. But recently, he found that something was wrong with his fingers, and they were gradually swollen. At first, he didn't care too much, after all, when he was old, there would always be some minor problems with his body.
But as time passed, the swollen fingers showed no signs of subsiding, but became more and more serious. Uncle Li began to mutter, this should be a precursor to some kind of illness, right? He hurried to the hospital for examination.
After examination, the doctor told him that it was probably pancreatic cancer in the early stage. After hearing this, Uncle Li couldn't believe his ears, and asked eagerly: "Doctor, how can it be pancreatic cancer?"
The doctor sighed: "Actually, the body has already given you a hint, but it's a pity that you didn't notice it in time." ”
Uncle Li was stunned and began to try to recall his previous days, which symptoms were ignored by himself?
Pancreatic cancer, a disease known as the "silent killer", has been gradually increasing in recent years in middle-aged and elderly people.
Its early symptoms are insidious and difficult for patients to detect in time, and often by the time it is discovered, the disease has already progressed to an advanced stage. So, what are the early signs of pancreatic cancer?
01
Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor that originates from pancreatic tissue and is known as the "silent killer" by the medical community because its symptoms are usually not obvious in the early stages.
The pancreas is located deep in the abdomen and is responsible for the production of digestive enzymes and hormones, such as insulin, which are essential for the digestion of food and the regulation of blood sugar levels.
The development of pancreatic cancer may go unnoticed at first, but once the disease progresses, it can deteriorate rapidly, affecting the function of the entire digestive system.
Diagnosing pancreatic cancer usually requires a variety of medical procedures, including blood tests, CT scans or MRIs, and tissue biopsies.
The key is that patients need to be highly alert to changes in their body and seek medical attention if they have early symptoms.
02
1. Sudden weight loss
Uncle Li lost weight dramatically in just a few months, and this rapid weight loss is usually not caused by simple work pressure or lifestyle changes.
Sudden weight loss is often due to the pancreas no longer producing digestive enzymes efficiently, resulting in food not being adequately absorbed and utilized.
2. Changes in glycemic control
Although Li Dabao had no history of diabetes, he failed to notice the unusual fluctuations in his blood sugar levels.
Pancreatic cancer can interfere with the normal production of insulin, leading to problems with blood sugar control, and if neglected, such changes can miss the best time for early diagnosis and treatment.
3. Abnormal swelling of the fingers
This may seem like a small change, but in fact it may be the body's reaction to an internal problem, the swelling may be due to an inflammatory response in the body, or the tumor is pressing on the surrounding tissues and blood vessels, and this unusual sign should be taken seriously.
03
1. Pay attention to the continuous weight loss
If weight loss continues for no apparent reason, a more in-depth health check-up should be considered, which may be an early sign of an internal metabolic problem or disease.
2. Monitor the performance of the digestive system
These include loss of appetite, indigestion, and abnormal stool color (e.g., clay-colored stools), which may be signs of impaired pancreatic function, especially if accompanied by jaundice.
3. Pay attention to the appearance of jaundice
Jaundice usually manifests as a yellowing of the skin and sclera of the eye, which is a direct manifestation of obstruction of bile flow, jaundice is a common late symptom of pancreatic cancer, and early recognition and treatment are essential.
4. Pay attention to persistent abdominal discomfort or pain
If abdominal pain persists, especially if it radiates to the back or worsens after lying down, it could be a sign of pancreatic problems.
04
1. Eat a healthy diet
Maintaining a healthy diet, such as eating fiber-rich foods and reducing red and processed meat, can reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer.
2. Exercise moderately
Getting regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding obesity can also help reduce the risk of many types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer.
3. Quit smoking
Studies have shown that smoking is a major risk factor for pancreatic cancer, and smoking cessation is an important factor in reducing the risk of pancreatic cancer.
4. Regular physical examination
For those with a family history of pancreatic cancer, it is especially important to have regular professional medical check-ups, which can help detect the symptoms early and intervene in time.
No subtle changes in the body should go unnoticed, and with careful observation and prompt medical attention, we may be able to detect and respond to potential health problems earlier.
Let's pay attention to our body's signals and take steps to protect our health and stay away from the "silent killer".