Almost everyone experiences back pain from time to time. Something as simple as picking up a box that’s too heavy or having a bad night’s sleep may lead to a sore back. However, persistent back pain is also a common sign of pancreatic cancer, affecting around 75% of patients diagnosed with the disease.
“Back pain and abdominal pain that often presents like a band across the abdomen are the most common types of pain associated with pancreatic cancer,” says Laleh G. Melstrom, M.D., M.S., chief of the Division of Surgical Oncology at City of Hope® Cancer Center Duarte and an associate professor of surgery and immuno-oncology.
So how can you tell if chronic back pain is related to cancer or not? This article covers the basics on pancreatic cancer back pain, including:
- Pancreatic cancer back pain locations
- What does pancreatic cancer pain feel like?
- What causes it?
- When to talk to a doctor
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer or another type of gastrointestinal cancer and you would like to schedule an appointment or get a second opinion, call us 24/7 at 877-460-4673.
Pancreatic Cancer Back Pain Locations
“The pancreas is an organ that crosses the midline and is located in the upper abdomen more towards the back,” explains Dr. Melstrom. Given that the pancreas is deep within the abdomen, patients often complain of pain in the several places, including:
- The middle back, just below the shoulder blades, often in a long band from one side of the back to the other
- Just under the shoulder blades or in the back of the shoulder
- In a band across the abdomen, sometimes at the same time as a band of pain across the middle back
What Does Pancreatic Cancer Pain Feel Like?
Many patients with pancreatic cancer have back pain, but may feel it differently. Some experience it as a sharp pain, while others may feel a dull ache. But unlike some other types of back pain, pancreatic back pain does not usually go away over time.
“Often, patients will describe back pain caused by pancreatic cancer as persistent and gnawing,” says Dr. Melstrom, noting that one study found that back pain caused by pancreatic cancer prevented most participants from going about their normal activities and routines.
In some cases, the pain starts in the stomach or abdomen and spreads from there to the middle of the back.
Dr. Melstrom adds: “Pancreatic cancer back pain is most common when patients are trying to sleep.”
What Causes It?
Pancreatic back pain is usually the result of a tumor in the pancreas pressing on other parts of the body, such as parts of the digestive system, other organs or the nervous system.
“Often, back pain is secondary to tumor infiltration into the nerves along the blood vessels in the back of the abdomen,” says Dr. Melstrom. Pain caused by pancreatic cancer may also become worse as a tumor grows in size and causes more obstructions inside the abdomen.
When to Talk to a Doctor
“Persistent back pain should always be assessed by a primary care physician,” Dr. Melstrom says. “Back pain associated with weight loss or new onset diabetes is also particularly concerning and should be evaluated.”
Although most cases of back pain are not caused by pancreatic cancer, anyone who experiences ongoing pain in his or her back or abdomen should have it checked out by a doctor. It’s also important to discuss any risk factors that a patient has for pancreatic cancer, such as a family history of the condition.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer or another type of gastrointestinal cancer and you would like to schedule an appointment or get a second opinion, call us 24/7 at 877-460-4673.