Some symptoms of pancreatic cancer may seem “normal” or associated with aging. Researchers warn that there are four specific signs that appear in the legs that indicate this disease.
Four signs of pancreatic cancer to watch out for Photo archive
Previous research shows that the majority of patients knew their increased risk of developing blood clots. Moreover, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can sometimes be the first sign of pancreatic cancer – an extremely difficult disease to treat. Specialists recommend checking for possible signs of pancreatic cancer, especially if they appear suddenly, without already having a condition.
A survey conducted by the European Cancer Patient Coalition (ECPC) shows that 70% of cancer patients were not aware of their increased risk of developing blood clots, writes Express. The study assessed patients’ awareness and knowledge of cancer-related DVT. Early detection of cancer is essential for the best possible outcome, but some types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer, can be difficult to detect because of their deep location in the body.
Researchers warn that there are four specific signs that appear in the legs. These could be among the first signs of the condition, according to health authorities.
Pancreatic cancer is known to make the blood tend to clot more than usual, increasing the risk of thrombosis. One of the first signs of pancreatic cancer can be a blood clot in the leg, often known as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Symptoms in the affected leg may include pain, swelling, redness and warmth in the leg area. Another warning sign is difficulty breathing, which can occur if a piece of the clot breaks off and reaches the lungs. This causes chest pain or difficulty breathing. This condition is known as pulmonary embolism (PE) and is extremely dangerous.
Dr. Santhi Swaroop Vege, director of Mayo Clinic’s pancreatic disease group, points out that even with significant medical advances, the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is only about 7 percent, making early detection essential.
