Doctor warns one major skin change could be early sign of ‘deadliest’ cancer
Developing a rare skin condition could indicate you have a ‘deadly’ cancer that only one percent of people survive three years after its initial diagnosis.
Macmillian Cancer Support estimate there are almost 3.5 million UK residents living with cancer - remarking that the number is continuing to grow.
Breast, prostate, and lung cancer are the most common forms of the disease, followed by bowel cancer, melanoma skin cancer, and tumours in the kidney, as per statistics published by Cancer Research UK.
However, its another form of the devastating condition that a medical expert has recently issued a warning about - pancreatic cancer.
What is pancreatic cancer?
Cancer that forms in the cells of the pancreas gland is defined as being pancreatic cancer.
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Considered both an exocrine and and endocrine gland, the pancreas has two functions - digestion and blood sugar regulation, according to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
Unfortunately, abnormal cells can form in its tissue, growing out of control and eventually forming a tumour that can affect its function.
Around 10,800 UK dwellers are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year, making it the tenth most common form of the condition, according to Cancer Research UK.
The disease has a notoriously low survival rate, with around 10 in 100 people (10 percent) surviving their cancer for one year or more after diagnosis, the agency stated.
Only one out of 100 people (one percent) survive pancreatic cancer for three years, hence its ‘deadliest cancer’ moniker, afforded by some medical experts.
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer
The NHS has outlined a variety of commonly experienced manifestations of the condition, including a loss of appetite, feeling/being sick, and having symptoms of indigestion, such as feeling bloated.
Others include feeling tired, having little energy, experiencing a high temperature, or feeling hot or shivery.
It’s advised you book in with your GP if symptoms of pancreatic cancer get worse or do not get better after two weeks. However, if you’ve have been sick for two days, then the NHS suggests you call 111 or ask for an urgent appointment with a medical practitioner.
Expert reveals major skin change signalling pancreatic cancer
Dr Diane Simeone, director of Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health, told the New York Post that your skin turning yellow could be another major sign that you’re suffering from pancreatic cancer.
The phenomenon, commonly known as jaundice, occurs due to a buildup of bilirubin in the body.
The NHS stated that jaundice can also be caused if the thyroid gland isn’t producing enough hormones (hypothyroidism), you have a urinary tract infection (UTI) or have Crigler-Najjar syndrome, an inherited condition affecting the enzyme responsible for processing bilirubin.
Speaking about how yellowing of the skin and sometimes the eyes can indicate that you have pancreatic cancer, Dr Simeone said: “The excess bilirubin is excreted through the kidneys, darkening the urine and preventing it from reaching the intestines, which leads to pale stools.
“It can also cause itching because the bile acids that are not being excreted normally accumulate in the skin and stimulate nerve endings.”
Symptoms of jaundice
While the jaundice is prevalent in newborns, affecting approximately 60 percent of term babies and 80 percent of preterm babies (via the Health Services Safety Investigations Body), it only affects 56 per 100,000 adults in the UK each year, according to Nice CKS.
Despite its rarity, knowing the common jaundice symptoms could save your life.
These include, but are not limited to:
- Yellowing of the skin and the white part of the eyes (sclera)
- Yellow colour inside of the mouth
- Dark or brown-coloured wee
- Pale or clay-coloured stools
- Itching
People who have developed jaundice alongside cancer may experience fatigue and weight loss, as per Mount Sinai.
Those who have jaundice due to hepatitis may also feel nauseas, fatigue, and experience vomiting.
Ella Scott