Experts are urging people to not miss a few subtle signs in their legs that could indicate a dangerous disease that affects more than 13 per cent of people across India. Doctors say even though it may seem unlikely, the first symptom of pancreatic cancer could appear in the limbs. Pancreatic cancer, a type of cancer that forms in the pancreas - the organ that produces enzymes and hormones to help digest food and manage blood sugar, has a 5-year survival rate of 5–15 per cent and an overall survival rate of 6 per cent.
Early-stage pancreatic tumours do not show up on imaging tests. For this reason, many people do not receive a diagnosis until the cancer has metastasized. Pancreatic cancer is also resistant to many common cancer drugs, making it notoriously difficult to treat.
Deep vein thrombosis causes pancreatic cancer Doctors say it leads to a condition known as deep vein thrombosis or DVT, which occurs when a blood clot forms in a large vein, often in the leg. According to the American Cancer Society, “Sometimes, the first clue that someone has pancreatic cancer is a blood clot in a large vein, often in the leg. This is called a deep vein thrombosis or DVT.
” The four major signs of DVT are: Severe pain Swelling Redness Warmth in the affected leg Pancreatic cancer can cause DVT, which can occur in veins near the pancreas like splenic or portal veins. When a piece of the clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, it also causes pulmonary embolism – another life-threat.
