Hormonal Symptoms Of Pancreatic Cancer

In general, cancer is a disease that can affect any type of cell in the body. Pancreatic cancer occurs when pancreatic cells begin to multiply uncontrollably. It affects both women and men and can occur at any age. In the following, we will discuss the first hormonal symptoms of pancreatic cancer.

The pancreas is an elongated organ positioned behind the stomach, which performs several important functions for the body. It consists of two distinct cell types:

• Endocrine cells: These are usually found in the pancreatic islets. They produce hormones that are released directly into the bloodstream. Normally, these cells secrete insulin and glucagon, hormones that regulate the amount of glucose in the blood.
• Exocrine cells: These synthesize enzymes that travel to the duodenum through small channels. They form the pancreatic duct, which attaches to the bile duct (which comes from the liver) on its way to the small intestine. The secreted enzymes contribute to the digestion of certain nutrients, such as lipids (fats).

What are the types of pancreatic cancer?

Generally, there are two types of pancreatic cancer, depending on the type of cells that are affected:

• Exocrine pancreatic cancer: This is the most common form. In most cases, it grows in cells that produce digestive enzymes.
• Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (benign or malignant): These affect the pancreatic islet cells, which produce hormones. Therefore, diseased cells are released directly into the blood.

In addition, there are several subtypes of pancreatic cancer (see the most common symptoms).

What are the first hormonal symptoms of pancreatic cancer?

Some people have no symptoms of pancreatic cancer. In addition, symptoms may vary depending on the type of pancreatic cancer affecting the patient. Thus, the following distinction is made:

Exocrine pancreatic cancer

• Fatigue, lack of energy or general weakness.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Lack of appetite. This usually leads to unintentional weight loss.
• Increasing the size of the gallbladder and / or liver.
• Abdominal discomfort that may extend to adjacent areas (for example, to the back).

• Jaundice or yellowing of the skin. This is because the cancer blocks the common bile duct and bilirubin builds up. Bilirubin is a pigment produced by the liver, which normally reaches the duodenum through the duct. Other related symptoms are dark urine and a change in the characteristics of the feces (change in color and texture).

Hormonal symptoms of exocrine pancreatic cancer

• Changes in the texture of the patient’s fatty tissue. This is caused by the incorrect release of pancreatic enzymes.
• Diabetes: In this case, the exocrine cells destroy the cells that synthesize insulin. As a result, blood glucose levels rise and the symptoms of diabetes appear.
• Slight changes in blood sugar levels.

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (benign or malignant)

Depending on the type of cancer cell, the following health problems can occur:

• Gastrinoma: This disease manifests itself in the cells that produce gastrin and leads to an increase in its level. Normally, this substance helps to synthesize a greater amount of acid in the stomach. The condition is also known as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
• Insulinoma: It affects the cells that produce insulin and begin to divide chaotically. Insulinoma causes hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).
• Glucagonom: It is a rare type of tumor, which occurs in cells that normally produce glucagon. It causes hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar).
• Somatostatinoma: Somatostatin usually helps regulate the levels of other hormones. The tumor may alter the level of this substance.

• PPoma: It is associated with excessive secretion of pancreatic polypeptides (PP), which normally regulates the activity of the pancreas.
• VIPoma: Affects cells that synthesize normally