While some people may feel it’s unnecessary to bother their GP with what they perceive as minor health issues, it’s crucial to remember that even seemingly insignificant symptoms like a new sensation in the leg could be indicative of a serious condition. .
Although certain unexpected health symptoms can be chalked up to ‘normal’ ageing, it’s always wise to consult your GP if such symptoms suddenly appear and persist.
According to previous survey results, a staggering 70% of cancer patients were oblivious to their heightened risk of blood clots. This survey, conducted by the European Cancer Patient Coalition (ECPC), aimed to gauge patient awareness and understanding of cancer-associated DVT (deep vein thrombosis), which in some instances can be an early indicator of pancreatic cancer – a notoriously difficult cancer to treat.
According to the NHS, some of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:
- the whites of your eyes or your skin turn yellow
- itchy skin
- darker pee and paler poo than usual
- loss of appetite or losing weight without trying to
- feeling tired or having no energy
- a high temperature, or feeling hot or shivery
Cancer, a rapidly spreading disease of the cells and organs, is best detected as early as possible to optimise patient outcomes. However, due to its deep-seated location within the body, cancers like pancreatic can be challenging to identify in the early stages.
Nonetheless, according to health experts, there are four tell-tale signs in the legs that could be among the first indicators of the disease. It’s advised that anyone experiencing any of these symptoms should promptly inform their GP, reports Surrey Live.
Pancreatic cancer may cause the blood to enter a hyper-coagulative state, leading to an increased risk of clotting, as reported by the Record. This means that patients with pancreatic cancer might experience abnormal blood coagulation.
As a result, one of the initial indicators of pancreatic cancer could be a clot in the leg, says the Cancer Society.
The symptoms to watch for in the affected leg include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Redness
- Warmth
Another sign to be aware of is breathing difficulties – occasionally, a fragment of the clot can dislodge and obstruct the lungs, making breathing more laborious or triggering chest pain. Known medically as a pulmonary embolism or PE, this condition is highly dangerous.
Nonetheless, it’s crucial to bear in mind that these symptoms can also point to other, less severe health issues. The Cancer Society notes: “Having a blood clot does not usually mean that you have cancer. Most blood clots are caused by other things.”
Despite the challenge in early detection, pancreatic cancer is particularly hard to treat, which contributes to its status as one of the deadliest cancers, according to Dr. Santhi Swaroop Vege, head of the pancreatic diseases group at Mayo Clinic.
The disease in question is notorious for its grim five-year survival rate of about seven per cent, despite significant medical breakthroughs in recent years. It presents with non-specific symptoms like weight loss and abdominal pain, which often obscure early detection.
Owing to its hidden position within the body, diagnosing issues with the pancreas can be tricky, usually delaying discovery until more severe symptoms such as abdominal pain or jaundice appear.
Speaking to News Network, Doctor Vege highlighted the diagnostic challenges: “That’s one of the biggest problems we face. Usually, these people will have indigestion, and acid reflux, before finally somebody thinks of a CT scan.”