Symptom 8: Appetite Changes
Imagine sitting down for a meal, your favorite dish in front of you, and feeling no desire to eat. It’s unsettling, isn’t it? A shifting appetite, especially one that wanes, can be a sign of various conditions. But when this reduction in appetite persists and is paired with other symptoms, duodenal cancer may be lurking. Tumors in the duodenum can physically obstruct the passage of food or indirectly affect appetite by disrupting the balance of digestive hormones.
It’s natural to occasionally skip a meal or find certain foods less appealing. However, consistent disinterest in food or feeling full after only a few bites isn’t merely a passing phase. It’s essential to differentiate between regular dietary fluctuations and more pronounced appetite shifts that might hint at a deeper issue.
The gastrointestinal system plays a vital role in appetite regulation. The stomach and duodenum release hormones in response to food, signaling feelings of hunger or satiety. A tumor in the duodenum can throw this delicate balance into chaos, leading to early satiety or reduced hunger cues. (8)
