Pancreatic cancer is hard to spot early. Knowing the subtle signs—and acting quickly with the right lab tests—can speed diagnosis and treatment. All tests below are available through Ulta Lab Tests and performed by Quest Diagnostics.
Fast takeaway: See yellowing of eyes/skin (jaundice), dark urine, pale or floating stools, new or worsening diabetes after age 50, unexplained back/upper‑abdominal pain, weight loss, or sudden pancreatitis? Don’t wait—talk to a clinician and use the targeted tests below.
Early Warning Signs of Pancreatic Cancer (What to Look For—And Why)
Pancreatic cancer is difficult to catch early because the pancreas sits deep in the abdomen and early tumors often cause vague, nonspecific symptoms. Many of these signs can be explained by far more common conditions (gallbladder disease, reflux, a viral illness). What matters is the pattern, persistence, and whether the symptoms are new for you.
Why symptoms can be subtle
Location matters. Tumors in the head of the pancreas can compress the bile duct and cause painless jaundiceearlier. Tumors in the body or tail often stay silent until larger, when pain or weight loss appears.
Overlap with everyday issues. Indigestion, back pain, fatigue, and changes in blood sugar are common for many reasons. Watch for combinations that persist or escalate.
Symptom clusters that deserve attention
1) Jaundice and bile-duct–type changes (obstructive jaundice, hepatic function panel, lab tests for bile duct blockage, biliary obstruction labs)
What you might notice
Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
Dark urine and very light (clay-colored) stools
Itchy skin
Why it matters This combination often signals blocked bile flow (obstructive jaundice), which is more common with tumors in the head of the pancreas and warrants rapid evaluation.
2) Upper-abdominal or mid-back pain (pancreatitis tests, lipase test, amylase test, best blood tests for pancreatic cancer diagnosis)
What you might notice
A dull, persistent ache in the upper abdomen that can radiate straight through to the mid-back
Worse after eating or when lying flat; sometimes better when leaning forward
Why it matters Pain here can reflect tumor location, local nerve involvement, or associated pancreatitis—and for some people it’s an early pancreatic cancer symptom.
3) Unintentional weight loss and digestive changes (exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, fecal elastase test, stool tests for pancreatic disease, pancreatic enzyme testing for digestion problems)
What you might notice
Loss of appetite, early fullness, nausea, persistent indigestion
Pale, greasy, floating stools that are hard to flush, plus bloating
Why it matters These are classic signs of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)—not enough digestive enzymes reaching the intestine—seen in chronic pancreatitis and sometimes pancreatic cancer.
First labs to discuss
Stool Pancreatic Elastase-1 (best initial test for EPI) — ask your clinician to order
Stool Fecal Fat testing — ask your clinician if symptoms persist
Fat-soluble vitamins (Vitamin D, A, E) — ask your clinician
4) New-onset diabetes (or suddenly harder-to-control diabetes) (new onset diabetes and pancreatic cancer, fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c, signs pancreatic cancer may be causing diabetes)
What you might notice
New diabetes after age 50 without strong family history or weight gain
Previously stable diabetes that becomes harder to control without clear cause
Why it matters In some adults, new onset diabetes can precede a pancreatic cancer diagnosis; it’s one of the under-recognized signs pancreatic cancer may be causing diabetes.
5) “Out-of-the-blue” pancreatitis (triglycerides and pancreatitis, tests for acute pancreatitis, lab tests for pancreatic cancer)
What you might notice
A first-time episode of acute pancreatitis with no obvious cause (no gallstones, no heavy alcohol use)
Why it matters In adults over ~50, unexplained pancreatitis warrants careful follow-up to exclude a structural cause (including tumor-related duct blockage).
6) Blood clots and other systemic clues (CA 19-9, CEA tumor marker, pancreatic cancer tumor markers explained, difference between CA 19-9 and CEA)
What you might notice
Unprovoked deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) or clots that seem to move (migratory)
Fatigue and general weakness; occasional mood changes
Why it matters Cancer—including pancreatic cancer—can raise clotting risk. These clues are nonspecific alone, but important when combined with other symptoms.
First labs to discuss
CEA (These are not screening tests; they help your care team understand the difference between CA 19-9 and CEA trends over time.)
After imaging, tumor markers may be used for baseline and trend monitoring:
Act within days (not weeks) if you have any combination of jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, persistent upper‑abdominal or mid‑back pain, or unexplained weight loss.
Go to urgent care or the ER for severe abdominal pain, fever with abdominal pain, signs of dehydration, shortness of breath, or sudden confusion (possible pancreatitis or a blood clot).
Quick triage guide: symptoms → first labs to discuss
Jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, itching → Hepatic (Liver) Function Panel; Bilirubin (Total/Direct); ALP; GGT; CMP
Greasy, floating stools; bloating; weight loss → Stool Pancreatic Elastase‑1; Fecal Fat (qualitative or 72‑hour quantitative)
New diabetes after 50 or suddenly worse control → Fasting Glucose; A1c (± OGTT). If paired with red‑flag symptoms, discuss CA 19‑9/CEA and imaging.
First‑episode pancreatitis without a clear cause → Lipase; Triglycerides; CBC (plus imaging as guided by your clinician)
Unprovoked blood clot; persistent fatigue → Comprehensive clinical evaluation; CA 19‑9/CEA may support monitoring after imaging.
How long to “watch and wait”?
Persistent symptoms for more than 2–3 weeks—especially if they’re new for you—deserve clinical evaluation.
Any jaundice, unexplained weight loss, or severe pain should not be observed at home. Seek care.
Bring this to your appointment
A timeline of when each symptom started, what worsens/relieves it, and any travel or illness around that time
A complete list of medications and supplements (some affect labs like Chromogranin A or 5‑HIAA)
Home glucose readings (for new/worsening diabetes) and a recent weight log if available
Family history of pancreatic, breast/ovarian, or colon cancers; any prior pancreatitis or gallbladder disease
Important: None of these signs prove you have pancreatic cancer. Many conditions can cause similar symptoms. The goal is to not miss concerning patterns—and to pair targeted lab testing with imaging and clinical assessment quickly.
Pancreas highlighted in orange within the human abdominal cavity, showing surrounding organs
Early warning signs (and why they matter)
Pancreatic cancer can be hard to recognize early because the pancreas sits deep in the abdomen and early tumors often don’t cause dramatic symptoms. What matters is noticing new patterns that persist—and acting quickly with the right labs and imaging so treatment isn’t delayed.
Jaundice (yellow eyes/skin), dark urine, pale or floating stools, itchy skin These often signal blocked bile flow, which can happen when a tumor in the head of the pancreas presses on the bile duct.
Upper‑abdominal pain that radiates straight through to the mid‑back Often dull and persistent; may worsen after eating or when lying flat. Can reflect local inflammation or tumor‑related pain.
Unintentional weight loss and digestive changes Loss of appetite, early fullness, and greasy, hard‑to‑flush stools suggest exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)—not enough digestive enzymes reaching the intestine.
New‑onset diabetes after age 50, or suddenly harder‑to‑control diabetes A subset of pancreatic cancers disrupts blood‑sugar control well before other signs become obvious.
A first episode of pancreatitis without a clear cause Especially after age ~50, unexplained pancreatitis warrants careful follow‑up.
Act within days (not weeks) if you develop jaundice, significant abdominal/back pain, or unexplained weight loss. Severe pain, fever with abdominal pain, or shortness of breath needs urgent care.
The blood tests that can help (with patient benefits)
How to use this list: Each item includes (1) what the test measures, (2) when clinicians typically use it, and (3) how it specifically helps you as a patient—what decision it informs, the complication it can catch earlier, or how it guides next steps.
Tumor markers used alongside imaging
CA 19‑9 (Cancer Antigen 19‑9) What it measures: A tumor‑associated glycoprotein that can be elevated in pancreatic and other GI cancers. When it’s used: To support evaluation when cancer is suspected and—most commonly—to monitor response after surgery/chemotherapy and watch for recurrence. Patient benefit: Tracking your CA 19‑9 trend can provide an earlier signal that treatment is working—or that a change may be needed—often before symptoms shift. Values can rise with bile duct blockage and other non‑cancer conditions, so results are always interpreted with imaging and the clinical picture. (Ulta Lab Tests)
CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) What it measures: A protein that can be elevated in several cancers and some benign conditions. When it’s used: As an adjunct marker with CA 19‑9 to establish a baseline and follow trends over time. Patient benefit: If your CA 19‑9 doesn’t move much, CEA sometimes does, helping your care team triangulatedisease activity using more than one signal. (Ulta Lab Tests)
Panels that bundle tumor‑marker and context labs can simplify ordering and reduce delays:
Bile‑duct blockage & liver‑pattern labs (common in head‑of‑pancreas tumors)
Hepatic (Liver) Function Panel What it measures: A set of enzymes/proteins including bilirubin (total/direct), AST, ALT, ALP, albumin, and total protein. When it’s used: First‑line labs in jaundice or “cholestatic” symptoms (dark urine, pale stools, itching). Patient benefit: These values reveal whether a bile‑duct blockage is likely and how severe it is—information that can accelerate imaging and biliary drainage, relieve symptoms, and make procedures safer. (Ulta Lab Tests)
GGT (Gamma‑Glutamyl Transferase) Role: Rises with cholestasis and helps confirm that an elevated ALP is liver/bile‑duct in origin (not bone). Patient benefit: Improves specificity of a cholestatic pattern so you don’t chase the wrong cause; guides urgency of imaging. (Ulta Lab Tests)
Bilirubin, Total and Bilirubin, Direct Role: Quantify jaundice and differentiate obstructive vs. other patterns. Patient benefit: Establishes a baseline before stenting/surgery and documents improvement after the blockage is relieved. (Ulta Lab Tests)
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) Role: Often rises with bile‑duct obstruction; interpret with GGT. Patient benefit: Another clue pointing to obstruction versus purely hepatocellular injury—helping prioritize next steps. (Ulta Lab Tests)
AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Role: Liver enzyme that, with ALT, characterizes liver cell injury. Patient benefit: Context for safety of anesthesia/therapy and for distinguishing bile‑duct patterns from hepatitis‑type patterns. (Ulta Lab Tests)
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) Role: Broader chemistry panel (liver/kidney/electrolytes/glucose). Patient benefit: Gives a whole‑patient snapshot—hydration, renal function, glucose—so procedures and treatments can be timed and dosed more safely. (Ulta Lab Tests)
Acute or chronic pancreatitis & systemic inflammation
Lipase What it measures: A pancreatic enzyme—more specific and stays elevated longer than amylase in acute pancreatitis. When it’s used: First‑line test when severe epigastric pain suggests pancreatitis. Patient benefit: A timely lipase can confirm pancreatitis quickly, guiding pain control, fluids, nutrition, and imaging (instead of losing time on unrelated causes). (Ulta Lab Tests)
Amylase Role: Adjunct enzyme; less specific than lipase but still informative when used together. Patient benefit: Helps characterize the time course of inflammation and, with lipase, adds confidence to the diagnosis. (Ulta Lab Tests)
C‑Reactive Protein (CRP) and ESR (Sedimentation Rate) Role: Inflammation markers used to gauge severity and recovery. Patient benefit: If pain is improving but CRP/ESR stay high, your team knows to look deeper for complications (necrosis, infection, pseudocyst) rather than assuming you’re in the clear. (Ulta Lab Tests)
Triglycerides Role: Very high levels can cause pancreatitis. Patient benefit: Identifies a treatable trigger (diet, meds, genetic lipid disorders) so you can prevent another attack. (Ulta Lab Tests)
Glucose & A1c Role: Fasting glucose documents baseline blood sugar; A1c averages 3‑month control. OGTT can be used when results are borderline or a specific question arises. Patient benefit: If diabetes appears out of the blue after 50 or established diabetes suddenly worsens—especially with weight loss, jaundice, or back pain—objective numbers help your clinician escalate imaging and add supportive markers (e.g., CA 19‑9) sooner. (Ulta Lab Tests offers multiple glucose and A1c options; many are also included within broader panels like the CMP listed above.) (Ulta Lab Tests)
Chromogranin A Role: General neuroendocrine tumor (NET) marker used primarily for monitoring trends over time. Patient benefit: Once a NET is diagnosed on imaging/biopsy, trending CgA can help you and your team see if therapy is working or if disease is progressing between scans. (Certain medications like PPIs can elevate CgA—your clinician may advise holding them if appropriate.) (Ulta Lab Tests)
Gastrin Role: Elevated in gastrinomas (Zollinger‑Ellison syndrome) with severe acid hypersecretion. Patient benefit: In the right symptom pattern (refractory ulcers, diarrhea), documenting high gastrin narrows the differential and guides specialized imaging. (Ulta Lab Tests)
Serotonin (serum) Role: Adjunct in carcinoid‑type syndromes; complements 24‑hour urine 5‑HIAA (urine test). Patient benefit: When symptoms suggest a serotonin‑secreting NET (flushing/diarrhea), a serum level can support the case while you complete urine testing and imaging, helping your team move faster. (Ulta Lab Tests)
They shorten the path to imaging. A cholestatic pattern (↑bilirubin‑direct, ↑ALP, ↑GGT) pushes imaging of the bile duct/pancreas higher on the list, which can get you to ERCP, stenting, or surgical consult days sooner. (Ulta Lab Tests)
They reduce missed secondary problems. Persistently high CRP/ESR after pancreatitis can prompt checks for complications (necrosis, infection), not just symptom‑watching. (Ulta Lab Tests)
They give you a trend to track. Tumor markers (CA 19‑9 ± CEA; CgA for NETs) rarely tell the whole story alone, but trends help gauge whether therapy is helping and whether to re‑image sooner. (Ulta Lab Tests)
They uncover treatable triggers. Very high triglycerides can cause pancreatitis; fixing the lipid problem helps prevent another attack. (Ulta Lab Tests)
Not every test is right for every person
There’s no single blood test that “screens” everyone for pancreatic cancer. Lab results should be interpreted alongside your history, exam, and imaging. Your clinician may add stool/urine tests (for example, fecal elastase‑1 for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency or 24‑hour urine 5‑HIAA for serotonin‑secreting NETs) based on your symptoms and initial lab patterns.
To browse many pancreas‑related blood tests in one place, see Ulta’s Pancreatic Cancer test collection (which includes CA 19‑9, CEA, CMP, CBC, ALP/AST/ALT, and more). (Ulta Lab Tests)
Practical tips before you draw
Ask about preparation. Some tests are best done fasting (e.g., many lipid panels/triglycerides), while others are not. Your order will include instructions. (Ulta Lab Tests)
Medications matter. Proton‑pump inhibitors can elevate Chromogranin A; your clinician will advise if/when to hold them. (Ulta Lab Tests)
Plan for follow‑up. Many results are available in 1–2 business days; specialty hormones can take longer. Use secure online access to share results with your provider promptly. (Ulta Lab Tests)
Pancreatic cancer is hard to catch early because symptoms can be subtle or mimic common issues. The key is noticing new patterns that persist—and acting quickly with the right labs and imaging so treatment isn’t delayed.
Early warning signs to take seriously
Jaundice (yellow eyes/skin), dark urine, pale or floating stools, itching → Suggests bile‑duct obstruction, more common with tumors in the head of the pancreas.
Upper‑abdominal pain that radiates straight through to the mid‑back → Can reflect pancreatic inflammation or tumor‑related pain.
Unintentional weight loss, early fullness, nausea, indigestion → Can signal digestive enzyme problems (exocrine pancreatic insufficiency) in chronic disease.
New‑onset diabetes after age 50 or suddenly harder‑to‑control diabetes → Metabolic red flag that sometimes precedes other signs.
First‑episode pancreatitis without a clear cause, especially after ~50 → Warrants careful follow‑up to exclude a structural cause.
Don’t wait: Jaundice, persistent abdominal/back pain, or unexplained weight loss should be evaluated within days, not weeks.
My preferred test assortment (fast, practical next steps)
These are blood tests that are recommend most often for a quick, decision‑moving work‑up. Each item includes what it tells you, when it’s used, and how it helps you.
1) Rapid work‑up when jaundice or bile‑duct blockage is suspected
Hepatic (Liver) Function Panel — Order Tells you: Bilirubin (total/direct), AST, ALT, ALP, albumin, total protein. Use when: Jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, itching. Why it helps: Confirms a cholestatic pattern and severity so imaging and (if needed) biliary drainage can be prioritized quickly. Ulta Lab Tests
GGT (Gamma‑Glutamyl Transferase) — Order Tells you: A bile‑duct–sensitive enzyme that rises with cholestasis. Use with: Elevated ALP or suspected obstruction. Why it helps: Improves specificity that an elevated ALP is liver/bile‑duct (not bone), sharpening the case for expedited imaging. Ulta Lab Tests
Prefer a single click? Hepatic Panel with GGT — Order (adds GGT automatically). Ulta Lab Tests
2) First‑line enzymes when pancreatitis is on the table
Lipase — Order Tells you: Pancreatic enzyme most specific for acute pancreatitis; stays elevated longer than amylase. Why it helps: A timely lipase can confirm pancreatitis and focus care (fluids, pain control, nutrition) without losing time on unrelated causes. Ulta Lab Tests
Acute Pancreatitis Panel (Lipase + Amylase) — Order Why it helps: A one‑step order that documents enzyme elevation for diagnosis, staging, and monitoring. Ulta Lab Tests
Pancreatic Function Test Panel (Amylase + Lipase) — Order Why it helps: Another streamlined option if you want both enzymes together for trend‑tracking across the acute course. Ulta Lab Tests
3) Cancer evaluation adjuncts (used with imaging—not as general screening)
CA 19‑9 — Order Tells you: A tumor‑associated glycoprotein often elevated in pancreatic adenocarcinoma and some benign cholestatic states. Why it helps: Best used to establish a baseline and monitor trends after therapy; rising or falling patterns can prompt earlier imaging or treatment adjustments. Ulta Lab Tests
CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) — Order Tells you: A complementary tumor marker sometimes informative when CA 19‑9 is not. Why it helps: Offers a second signal to triangulate disease activity during follow‑up. Ulta Lab Tests
Pancreatic‑Health & Cancer‑Surveillance Comprehensive Panel — Order Why it helps: Bundles CA 19‑9 + CEA with broader context labs so you and your clinician can monitor cancer activity and overall treatment readiness in one draw. Ulta Lab Tests
4) A practical, all‑purpose baseline for ongoing pancreatic care
Pancreatic Health Panel — Order What’s inside: Lipase and other helpful context labs (often including CBC). Why it helps: A single, re‑orderable baseline that’s ideal for chronic or recurrent pancreatic issues and for tracking stability over time. Ulta Lab Tests
5) When a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PanNET) is suspected
Chromogranin A — Order Tells you: A general NET marker; useful for trend monitoring once a NET is diagnosed. Why it helps: Offers a between‑scan signal—if your level drifts up, your team can re‑image earlier. (Some acid‑suppressing meds can elevate CgA; your clinician will advise.) Ulta Lab Tests
Pancreatic Hormone‑Secreting Neuro‑Endocrine Tumor (PanNET) Panel — Order What’s inside: A curated set of NET markers (including CgA) keyed to functional tumors (e.g., insulinoma, gastrinoma, VIPoma). Why it helps: Reduces round‑trips by bundling the common NET signals your clinician will want to review alongside imaging. Ulta Lab Tests
How these labs move care forward
They clarify urgency. A cholestatic liver pattern (e.g., ↑direct bilirubin, ↑ALP, ↑GGT) points to obstruction and can accelerate imaging or biliary drainage—often days sooner than watchful waiting. Ulta Lab Tests+1
They confirm or rule‑in pancreatitis quickly. A positive lipase (± amylase) gets you on the right pathway fast (fluids, analgesia, nutrition) and helps decide when to image. Ulta Lab Tests+1
They give you trend lines, not just snapshots.CA 19‑9 and CEA (and CgA for NETs) are most useful over time—declining levels can reassure; rising levels can prompt action between scans. Ulta Lab Tests+2Ulta Lab Tests+2
Timing: Many results are available in 1–2 business days, though some specialty markers take longer. (Exact turnaround varies by test.)
