Pancreatic cancer occurs when the healthy cells of the pancreas begin to grow uncontrollably and form tumors. As they grow, these tumors can interfere with the functioning of the pancreas, spread to nearby organs and blood vessels, and can eventually spread to other parts of the body. 

Patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer may not experience symptoms, and when they do occur they may be similar to other medical conditions such as pancreatitis or ulcers. As the disease progresses, patients may experience other symptoms such as jaundice, dark urine, itchy skin, stomach bloating, pain in the upper back or upper abdomen, weakness, indigestion or heartburn, painful swelling of a leg or arm due to blood clots, fever, chills, loss of appetite or unintentional weight loss, nausea and vomiting, and steatorrhea. 

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