Four Leg Symptoms That Could Indicate 'Deadly' Cancer

Pancreatic cancer accounts for about three percent of all cancers in the US and approximately eight percent of all cancer-related deaths

There are four common symptoms that many of us have likely experienced at some point, which could actually be early indicators of pancreatic cancer.

The American Cancer Society projects that by 2025, approximately 67,440 Americans will be diagnosed with this cancer type, with 34,950 men and 32,490 women affected. Additionally, an estimated 51,980 people are expected to die from pancreatic cancer, including 27,050 men.

Pancreatic cancer represents about three percent of all cancers in the US and around eight percent of all cancer-related deaths.

One of the initial signs of pancreatic cancer might manifest in the legs before any abdominal pain or jaundice appears.

Medical experts note that sometimes the first warning sign isn’t in the pancreas but rather a blood clot.

Doctors indicate that a blood clot in a large vein, typically in the leg, can signal a more serious underlying condition in the body.

Illustration of a man's pancreas tumor

This condition, referred to as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), can occur for various reasons, but in some instances, it is associated with pancreatic cancer.

There are four symptoms connected to DVT: pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected leg.

Although these symptoms might seem common, they can sometimes indicate that a tumor is silently developing.

Alarmingly, clots can dislodge and move to the lungs, leading to a pulmonary embolism (PE), which can cause breathing difficulties and be life-threatening.

Pancreatic cancer is especially dangerous because it often lacks noticeable symptoms in its early stages, so by the time many individuals realize something is amiss, the cancer has already advanced or spread.

Doctors will perform an ultrasound to examine your abdomen in their search for a pancreatic tumor

Other early warning signs can be more subtle, such as ongoing fatigue or weakness not related to exercise, or jaundice, where the skin and eyes become yellow due to a buildup of bilirubin.

Some individuals also observe darker urine, pale or greasy stools, and itchy skin.

Unexplained weight loss and a reduced appetite are also common, and abdominal or back pain may occur as the tumor grows. If it presses on nearby organs or nerves, it can cause persistent discomfort that is not easily relieved.

Experts indicate that pancreatic cancer can also impact the liver and gallbladder, sometimes causing these organs to enlarge. In some cases, it may also lead to diabetes by impairing the pancreas' ability to produce insulin.

While many of these symptoms can result from other, much less serious conditions, health professionals advise people not to ignore them, particularly if blood clot symptoms arise without a clear cause.