I’m a Surgeon: Here’s When Your Back Pain Could Be a Silent Killer

A surgeon has issued a crisp and clear-cut warning against a very common malady could be an indicator of a lethal condition. According to Dr Neville Menezes, a British consultant pancreatic surgeon, persistent back pain that does not go away or is unresponsive to treatment could be a sign of a deadly cancer. Studies have revealed pancreatic cancer is the 12th most common cancer and the 6th leading cause of cancer death across the world, mostly due to a poor prognosis. And as the name suggests, pancreatic cancer originates in the pancreas - a large gland situated at the back of your abdomen. The organ releases enzymes for digestion and hormones to regulate blood sugar levels. Dr Menezes says, "Pancreatic cancer can develop quietly," and the symptoms

may not be visible early. “By the time symptoms become severe, the disease is often advanced. Recognising subtle changes in your body and acting quickly can make all the difference," he added. He urged not missing out on the key sign of this cancer – back pain, specifically stating, “Persistent upper abdominal or back pain that doesn't go away and does not respond to medical treatment like analgesia or medication to decrease stomach acid.”

Why does pancreatic cancer cause backache?

Pancreatic cancer leads to pain in the back because of the tumour, which may grow large enough to press on nerves near the spine or spread to tissues surrounding the pancreas. According to experts, your pancreas is located deep in the abdomen, close to major nerves like the celiac plexus, and as the tumour begins to grow, it invades or presses on these nerves. Also, the tumours that grow large enough press on other organs and tissues located behind the stomach, which can also lead to referred pain in the back. However, it is important to note that back pain can also be a sign of more advanced pancreatic cancer, as it indicates the cancer has invaded the retroperitoneal space behind the pancreas. “Pain can differ from person to person, and some people with pancreatic cancer don't have any pain. But generally, the pain may begin in the upper part of the abdomen and may spread to the sides or back,” said Dr Menezes.

Important characteristics of cancer-related back pain

• It often starts in the upper abdomen and radiates to the back.
• The pain is often a dull ache that comes and goes.
• It may worsen when lying down and can sometimes be relieved by leaning forward.
• The pain is not always constant, and some people experience short bursts of severe pain.

Other symptoms of pancreatic cancer

Other than back pain, a few other signs of pancreatic cancer may include:

• Jaundice
• Dark urine
• Light-coloured stool
• Pain in the upper abdomen area
• Middle back pain
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Itchy skin
• Nausea and vomiting
• Gas and bloating
• Lack of appetite
• Blood clots
• Unexplained weight loss
• New-onset diabetes