There’s no better time to familiarize yourself with the warning signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer than during National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. The radiologists at Main Street Radiology share some of the more common symptoms of this disease. For nearly 50 years, the radiology practice has provided nuclear medicine services, lung screenings, and mammograms to the Bayside, NY, and greater Queens community.

• Jaundice: Jaundice, one of the early warning signs of pancreatic cancer, turns the skin and the whites of the eyes yellow. Jaundice is caused by a buildup of a waste product called bilirubin.
• Pain: As cancer grows, it can press on your organs and nerves, causing pain in your abdomen and back. The staff at Main Street Radiology uses several ways to find the cause of your pain, including ultrasound and computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
• Weight Loss: Weight loss is a common sign of many types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer.
• Dark Urine: Jaundice is often accompanied by dark urine, which is also caused by high bilirubin levels.
• Nausea & Vomiting: Nausea and vomiting can occur if a cancerous tumor puts pressure on the stomach.
• Stool Changes: Stools that are lighter in color than normal or greasy can indicate the presence of pancreatic cancer.
• Itchy Skin: An excess amount of bilirubin can also cause itchy skin.
• Tumors: A tumor can be a sign of cancer, although not all pancreatic tumors are cancerous.

If you have any of these signs or symptoms, don’t panic. They can be caused by many other illnesses and conditions. A visit to Main Street Radiology can be helpful in determining your diagnosis. To learn more about the nuclear medicine and interventional radiology services they offer, call the staff at (718) 428-1500, or visit their Facebook page or website.