Symptom 7: Jaundice
Jaundice isn’t subtle. It’s a striking symptom characterized by a yellowing of the skin and eyes. While most associate it with liver diseases, it’s also a significant indicator of duodenal cancer. The duodenum’s proximity to the bile duct means that tumors can compress or block this duct. Bile, instead of flowing into the intestines, backs up into the bloodstream, leading to jaundice’s characteristic yellow hue.
Bile’s primary role is to aid in fat digestion. When the bile duct becomes obstructed, this essential digestive fluid can’t reach the intestines. The result? Besides jaundice, patients may notice pale-colored stools and dark urine. This bile build-up in the bloodstream also leads to itching, another often-overlooked symptom.
Jaundice, in the context of duodenal cancer, isn’t just about the visible yellowing. It speaks to the disease’s progression, indicating that the tumor has grown to a size where it’s impacting neighboring structures. Recognizing jaundice, especially in conjunction with other symptoms like weight loss or fatigue, is pivotal in timely diagnosis and intervention. (7)
