{"id":2139,"date":"2025-08-08T08:23:46","date_gmt":"2025-08-08T15:23:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/?p=2139"},"modified":"2025-08-28T08:50:41","modified_gmt":"2025-08-28T15:50:41","slug":"key-symptoms-of-pancreatic-cancer-to-watch-for","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/cancer\/key-symptoms-of-pancreatic-cancer-to-watch-for\/","title":{"rendered":"Key Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer to Watch For"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Pancreatic cancer is hard to spot early. Knowing the subtle signs\u2014and acting quickly with the right lab tests\u2014can speed diagnosis and treatment. All tests below are available through Ulta Lab Tests and performed by&nbsp;<strong>Quest Diagnostics<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fast takeaway:<\/strong>&nbsp;See yellowing of eyes\/skin (jaundice), dark urine, pale or floating stools, new or worsening diabetes after age 50, unexplained back\/upper\u2011abdominal pain, weight loss, or sudden pancreatitis? Don\u2019t wait\u2014talk to a clinician and use the targeted tests below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Early Warning Signs of Pancreatic Cancer (What to Look For\u2014And Why)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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&nbsp;<strong>pattern<\/strong>,&nbsp;<strong>persistence<\/strong>, and whether the symptoms are&nbsp;<strong>new for you<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why symptoms can be subtle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location matters.<\/strong>&nbsp;Tumors in the&nbsp;<em>head<\/em>&nbsp;of the pancreas can compress the bile duct and cause&nbsp;<strong>painless jaundice<\/strong>earlier. Tumors in the&nbsp;<em>body or tail<\/em>&nbsp;often stay silent until larger, when&nbsp;<strong>pain or weight loss<\/strong>&nbsp;appears.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Overlap with everyday issues.<\/strong>&nbsp;Indigestion, back pain, fatigue, and changes in blood sugar are common for many reasons. Watch for combinations that persist or escalate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Six-Symptom-Clusters-of-Pancreatic-Cancer-with-First-Labs-1.png?resize=683%2C1024&#038;quality=100&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Infographic detailing six pancreatic cancer symptom clusters and first laboratory tests such as Hepatic Panel, Lipase, CRP, CA 19-9, and CEA.\" class=\"wp-image-2141\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Six-Symptom-Clusters-of-Pancreatic-Cancer-with-First-Labs-1.png?resize=683%2C1024&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 683w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Six-Symptom-Clusters-of-Pancreatic-Cancer-with-First-Labs-1.png?resize=200%2C300&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Six-Symptom-Clusters-of-Pancreatic-Cancer-with-First-Labs-1.png?resize=768%2C1152&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Six-Symptom-Clusters-of-Pancreatic-Cancer-with-First-Labs-1.png?w=1024&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-symptom-clusters-that-deserve-attention\">Symptom clusters that deserve attention<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1) Jaundice and bile-duct\u2013type changes&nbsp;<em>(obstructive jaundice, hepatic function panel, lab tests for bile duct blockage, biliary obstruction labs)<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What you might notice<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dark urine and very light (clay-colored) stools<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Itchy skin<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why it matters<\/strong><br>This combination often signals&nbsp;<strong>blocked bile flow<\/strong>&nbsp;(obstructive jaundice), which is more common with tumors in the&nbsp;<strong>head of the pancreas<\/strong>&nbsp;and warrants rapid evaluation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>First labs to discuss<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/hepatic-function-panel-test\">Hepatic (Liver) Function Panel<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/bilirubin-total-test\">Bilirubin<\/a><a>, Total<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a>Bilirubin, <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/bilirubin-direct-test\">Direct<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a>Alkaline<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/alp-test\"> <\/a><a>Phosphatase (ALP)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a>Gamma-<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/ggt-test\">Glutamyl <\/a><a>Transferase (GGT)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/comprehensive-metabolic-panel-cmp-test\">Comprehensive <\/a><a>Metabolic Panel (CMP)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Prefer one click?&nbsp;<a>Hepatic Function Panel <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/hepatic-function-panel-with-ggt\">with <\/a><a>GGT<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2) Upper-abdominal or mid-back pain&nbsp;<em>(pancreatitis tests, lipase test, amylase test, best blood tests for pancreatic cancer diagnosis)<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What you might notice<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A dull, persistent ache in the&nbsp;<strong>upper abdomen<\/strong>&nbsp;that can radiate straight through to the&nbsp;<strong>mid-back<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Worse after eating or when lying flat; sometimes better when leaning forward<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why it matters<\/strong><br>Pain here can reflect tumor location, local nerve involvement, or&nbsp;<strong>associated pancreatitis<\/strong>\u2014and for some people it\u2019s an early&nbsp;<strong>pancreatic cancer symptom<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>First labs to discuss<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/lipase-test\">Lipase<\/a>\u00a0(first-line for pancreatitis)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/amylase-test\">Amylase<\/a>&nbsp;(adjunct)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/c-reactive-protein-test\">C-Reactive Protein (CRP)<\/a>\u00a0(inflammation)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/complete-blood-count-with-differential-and-platelets-cbc-test\">Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>One-step options:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/acute-pancreatitis-panel\">Acute Pancreatitis Panel (Amylase + Lipase)<\/a>&nbsp;\u2022&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/pancreatic-function-test-panel\">Pancreatic Function Test Panel<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3) Unintentional weight loss and digestive changes&nbsp;<em>(exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, fecal elastase test, stool tests for pancreatic disease, pancreatic enzyme testing for digestion problems)<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What you might notice<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Loss of appetite, early fullness, nausea, persistent indigestion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pale, greasy, floating stools that are hard to flush, plus bloating<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why it matters<\/strong><br>These are classic signs of&nbsp;<strong>exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)<\/strong>\u2014not enough digestive enzymes reaching the intestine\u2014seen in chronic pancreatitis and sometimes pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>First labs to discuss<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Stool<\/em>&nbsp;Pancreatic Elastase-1 (best initial test for EPI) \u2014&nbsp;<em>ask your clinician to order<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Stool<\/em>&nbsp;Fecal Fat testing \u2014&nbsp;<em>ask your clinician if symptoms persist<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fat-soluble vitamins (Vitamin D, A, E) \u2014&nbsp;<em>ask your clinician<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>For ongoing monitoring,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/pancreatic-health-panel\">Pancreatic Health Panel<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4) New-onset diabetes (or suddenly harder-to-control diabetes)&nbsp;<em>(new onset diabetes and pancreatic cancer, fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c, signs pancreatic cancer may be causing diabetes)<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What you might notice<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>New diabetes after age 50<\/strong>&nbsp;without strong family history or weight gain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Previously stable diabetes that becomes&nbsp;<strong>harder to control<\/strong>&nbsp;without clear cause<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why it matters<\/strong><br>In some adults,&nbsp;<strong>new onset diabetes<\/strong>&nbsp;can precede a pancreatic cancer diagnosis; it\u2019s one of the under-recognized&nbsp;<strong>signs pancreatic cancer may be causing diabetes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>First labs to discuss<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/glucose-test\">Fasting Glucose<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/hemoglobin-a1c-test\">Hemoglobin A1c (A1c)<\/a>&nbsp;(or&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/hemoglobin-a1c-test-with-eag\">A1c with eAG<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/testing\/search?itemName=glucose+tolerance\">Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)<\/a>&nbsp;if results are unclear<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If changes occur alongside weight loss, jaundice, or back pain, tumor markers may be added:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/ca-19-9-test\">CA 19-9<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/cea-test\">CEA<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Bundled option:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/pancreatic-health-cancer-surveillance-comprehensive-panel\">Pancreatic-Health &amp; Cancer-Surveillance Comprehensive Panel<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5) \u201cOut-of-the-blue\u201d pancreatitis&nbsp;<em>(triglycerides and pancreatitis, tests for acute pancreatitis, lab tests for pancreatic cancer)<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What you might notice<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A&nbsp;<strong>first-time episode<\/strong>&nbsp;of acute pancreatitis with&nbsp;<strong>no obvious cause<\/strong>&nbsp;(no gallstones, no heavy alcohol use)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why it matters<\/strong><br>In adults over ~50, unexplained pancreatitis warrants careful follow-up to exclude a structural cause (including tumor-related duct blockage).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>First labs to discuss<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/lipase-test\">Lipase<\/a>\u00a0(diagnostic)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/triglycerides-test\">Triglycerides<\/a>&nbsp;(rule out lipid-induced pancreatitis)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/complete-blood-count-with-differential-and-platelets-cbc-test\">CBC with Differential<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>One-step:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/acute-pancreatitis-panel\">Acute Pancreatitis Panel (Amylase + Lipase)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6) Blood clots and other systemic clues&nbsp;<em>(CA 19-9, CEA tumor marker, pancreatic cancer tumor markers explained, difference between CA 19-9 and CEA)<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What you might notice<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Unprovoked deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) or clots that seem to move (migratory)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fatigue and general weakness; occasional mood changes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why it matters<\/strong><br>Cancer\u2014including pancreatic cancer\u2014can raise clotting risk. These clues are nonspecific alone, but important when&nbsp;<strong>combined<\/strong>&nbsp;with other symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>First labs to discuss<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/cea-test\">CEA<\/a><br><em>(These are not screening tests; they help your care team understand the difference between CA 19-9 and CEA trends over time.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After imaging, tumor markers may be used for&nbsp;<strong>baseline and trend monitoring<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/ca-19-9-test\">CA 19-9<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s urgent\u2014and what shouldn\u2019t wait<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Act within days (not weeks)<\/strong>&nbsp;if you have any combination of&nbsp;<strong>jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, persistent upper\u2011abdominal or mid\u2011back pain, or unexplained weight loss<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Go to urgent care or the ER<\/strong>&nbsp;for&nbsp;<strong>severe<\/strong>&nbsp;abdominal pain, fever with abdominal pain, signs of dehydration, shortness of breath, or sudden confusion (possible pancreatitis or a blood clot).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quick triage guide: symptoms \u2192 first labs to discuss<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, itching<\/strong><br>\u2192 Hepatic (Liver) Function Panel; Bilirubin (Total\/Direct); ALP; GGT; CMP<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Upper\u2011abdominal pain \u00b1 back radiation<\/strong><br>\u2192 Lipase \u00b1 Amylase; CRP; CBC<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Greasy, floating stools; bloating; weight loss<\/strong><br>\u2192 Stool Pancreatic&nbsp;<strong>Elastase\u20111<\/strong>;&nbsp;<strong>Fecal Fat<\/strong>&nbsp;(qualitative or 72\u2011hour quantitative)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>New diabetes after 50 or suddenly worse control<\/strong><br>\u2192&nbsp;<strong>Fasting Glucose<\/strong>;&nbsp;<strong>A1c<\/strong>&nbsp;(\u00b1 OGTT). If paired with red\u2011flag symptoms, discuss&nbsp;<strong>CA 19\u20119\/CEA<\/strong>&nbsp;and imaging.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>First\u2011episode pancreatitis without a clear cause<\/strong><br>\u2192&nbsp;<strong>Lipase<\/strong>;&nbsp;<strong>Triglycerides<\/strong>;&nbsp;<strong>CBC<\/strong>&nbsp;(plus imaging as guided by your clinician)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unprovoked blood clot; persistent fatigue<\/strong><br>\u2192 Comprehensive clinical evaluation;&nbsp;<strong>CA 19\u20119\/CEA<\/strong>&nbsp;may support monitoring after imaging.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long to \u201cwatch and wait\u201d?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Persistent symptoms for more than 2\u20133 weeks<\/strong>\u2014especially if they\u2019re new for you\u2014deserve clinical evaluation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Any jaundice<\/strong>,&nbsp;<strong>unexplained weight loss<\/strong>, or&nbsp;<strong>severe pain<\/strong>&nbsp;should&nbsp;<strong>not<\/strong>&nbsp;be observed at home. Seek care.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bring this to your appointment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A timeline of when each symptom started, what worsens\/relieves it, and any travel or illness around that time<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A complete list of&nbsp;<strong>medications and supplements<\/strong>&nbsp;(some affect labs like&nbsp;<strong>Chromogranin A<\/strong>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<strong>5\u2011HIAA<\/strong>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Home glucose readings<\/strong>&nbsp;(for new\/worsening diabetes) and a recent&nbsp;<strong>weight log<\/strong>&nbsp;if available<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Family history<\/strong>&nbsp;of pancreatic, breast\/ovarian, or colon cancers; any prior pancreatitis or gallbladder disease<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Important:<\/strong>&nbsp;None of these signs prove you have pancreatic cancer. Many conditions can cause similar symptoms. The goal is to&nbsp;<strong>not miss concerning patterns<\/strong>\u2014and to pair targeted lab testing with imaging and clinical assessment&nbsp;<strong>quickly<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Pancreas-Highlighted-in-Upper-Abdomen.png?resize=1024%2C1024&#038;quality=100&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Medical illustration of the pancreas highlighted in orange within the human abdominal cavity, showing surrounding organs\" class=\"wp-image-2142\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Pancreas-Highlighted-in-Upper-Abdomen.png?w=1024&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Pancreas-Highlighted-in-Upper-Abdomen.png?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Pancreas-Highlighted-in-Upper-Abdomen.png?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Pancreas-Highlighted-in-Upper-Abdomen.png?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Pancreas-Highlighted-in-Upper-Abdomen.png?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pancreas highlighted in orange within the human abdominal cavity, showing surrounding organs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Early warning signs (and why they matter)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pancreatic cancer can be hard to recognize early because the pancreas sits deep in the abdomen and early tumors often don\u2019t cause dramatic symptoms. What matters is noticing&nbsp;<strong>new patterns<\/strong>&nbsp;that&nbsp;<strong>persist<\/strong>\u2014and acting quickly with the right labs and imaging so treatment isn\u2019t delayed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Jaundice (yellow eyes\/skin), dark urine, pale or floating stools, itchy skin<\/strong><br>These often signal&nbsp;<strong>blocked bile flow<\/strong>, which can happen when a tumor in the head of the pancreas presses on the bile duct.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Upper\u2011abdominal pain that radiates straight through to the mid\u2011back<\/strong><br>Often dull and persistent; may worsen after eating or when lying flat. Can reflect local inflammation or tumor\u2011related pain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unintentional weight loss and digestive changes<\/strong><br>Loss of appetite, early fullness, and&nbsp;<strong>greasy, hard\u2011to\u2011flush stools<\/strong>&nbsp;suggest&nbsp;<strong>exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)<\/strong>\u2014not enough digestive enzymes reaching the intestine.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>New\u2011onset diabetes after age 50, or suddenly harder\u2011to\u2011control diabetes<\/strong><br>A subset of pancreatic cancers disrupts blood\u2011sugar control well before other signs become obvious.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A first episode of pancreatitis without a clear cause<\/strong><br>Especially after age ~50, unexplained pancreatitis warrants careful follow\u2011up.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Act within days (not weeks)<\/strong>&nbsp;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.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The blood tests that can help (with patient benefits)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>How to use this list:<\/strong>&nbsp;Each item includes (1) what the test measures, (2) when clinicians typically use it, and (3) how it specifically helps&nbsp;<em>you<\/em>&nbsp;as a patient\u2014what decision it informs, the complication it can catch earlier, or how it guides next steps.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tumor markers used alongside imaging<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/ca-19-9-test\">CA 19\u20119 (Cancer Antigen 19\u20119)<\/a><\/strong><br><strong>What it measures:<\/strong>&nbsp;A tumor\u2011associated glycoprotein that can be elevated in pancreatic and other GI cancers.<br><strong>When it\u2019s used:<\/strong>&nbsp;To support evaluation when cancer is suspected and\u2014most commonly\u2014to&nbsp;<strong>monitor<\/strong>&nbsp;response after surgery\/chemotherapy and watch for recurrence.<br><strong>Patient benefit:<\/strong>&nbsp;Tracking your CA 19\u20119&nbsp;<strong>trend<\/strong>&nbsp;can provide an earlier signal that treatment is working\u2014or that a change may be needed\u2014often&nbsp;<strong>before<\/strong>&nbsp;symptoms shift. Values can rise with bile duct blockage and other non\u2011cancer conditions, so results are always interpreted with imaging and the clinical picture. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/ca-19-9?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/cea\">CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen)<\/a><\/strong><br><strong>What it measures:<\/strong>&nbsp;A protein that can be elevated in several cancers and some benign conditions.<br><strong>When it\u2019s used:<\/strong>&nbsp;As an&nbsp;<strong>adjunct<\/strong>&nbsp;marker with CA 19\u20119 to establish a baseline and follow trends over time.<br><strong>Patient benefit:<\/strong>&nbsp;If your CA 19\u20119 doesn\u2019t move much, CEA sometimes does, helping your care team&nbsp;<strong>triangulate<\/strong>disease activity using more than one signal. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/cea?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Panels that bundle tumor\u2011marker and context labs can simplify ordering and reduce delays:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/pancreatic-comprehensive-assessment-panel\">Pancreatic Comprehensive Assessment Panel<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 integrates tumor markers with systemic labs for a broad first pass. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/pancreatic-comprehensive-assessment-panel?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bile\u2011duct blockage &amp; liver\u2011pattern labs (common in head\u2011of\u2011pancreas tumors)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/hepatic-function-panel-test\">Hepatic (Liver) Function Panel<\/a><\/strong><br><strong>What it measures:<\/strong>&nbsp;A set of enzymes\/proteins including bilirubin (total\/direct), AST, ALT, ALP, albumin, and total protein.<br><strong>When it\u2019s used:<\/strong>&nbsp;First\u2011line labs in&nbsp;<strong>jaundice<\/strong>&nbsp;or \u201ccholestatic\u201d symptoms (dark urine, pale stools, itching).<br><strong>Patient benefit:<\/strong>&nbsp;These values reveal whether a bile\u2011duct blockage is likely and how severe it is\u2014information that can&nbsp;<strong>accelerate imaging<\/strong>&nbsp;and biliary drainage, relieve symptoms, and make procedures safer. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/hepatic-function-panel-test?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/ggt-test\">GGT (Gamma\u2011Glutamyl Transferase)<\/a><\/strong><br><strong>Role:<\/strong>\u00a0Rises with cholestasis and helps confirm that an elevated ALP is liver\/bile\u2011duct in origin (not bone).<br><strong>Patient benefit:<\/strong>\u00a0Improves\u00a0<strong>specificity<\/strong>\u00a0of a cholestatic pattern so you don\u2019t chase the wrong cause; guides urgency of imaging. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/gamma-glutamyl-transferase-ggt?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/bilirubin-total-test\">Bilirubin, Total<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/bilirubin-direct-test\">Bilirubin, Direct<\/a><\/strong><br><strong>Role:<\/strong>&nbsp;Quantify jaundice and differentiate obstructive vs. other patterns.<br><strong>Patient benefit:<\/strong>&nbsp;Establishes a&nbsp;<strong>baseline<\/strong>&nbsp;before stenting\/surgery and documents improvement after the blockage is relieved. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/bilirubin-total-test?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/alp-test\">Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)<\/a><\/strong><br><strong>Role:<\/strong>&nbsp;Often rises with bile\u2011duct obstruction; interpret with GGT.<br><strong>Patient benefit:<\/strong>&nbsp;Another clue pointing to&nbsp;<strong>obstruction<\/strong>&nbsp;versus purely hepatocellular injury\u2014helping prioritize next steps. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/alp-test?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/ast-test\">AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase)<\/a><\/strong><br><strong>Role:<\/strong>\u00a0Liver enzyme that, with ALT, characterizes liver cell injury.<br><strong>Patient benefit:<\/strong>\u00a0Context for safety of anesthesia\/therapy and for distinguishing\u00a0<strong>bile\u2011duct<\/strong>\u00a0patterns from\u00a0<strong>hepatitis\u2011type<\/strong>\u00a0patterns. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/aspartate-aminotransferase-ast?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/comprehensive-metabolic-panel-test-cmp\">Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)<\/a><\/strong><br><strong>Role:<\/strong>\u00a0Broader chemistry panel (liver\/kidney\/electrolytes\/glucose).<br><strong>Patient benefit:<\/strong>\u00a0Gives a\u00a0<strong>whole\u2011patient<\/strong>\u00a0snapshot\u2014hydration, renal function, glucose\u2014so procedures and treatments can be timed and dosed more safely. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/comprehensive-metabolic-panel-cmp?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Optional bundle:&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/hepatic-function-panel-with-ggt\">Hepatic Function Panel with GGT<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;provides a one\u2011click cholestasis work\u2011up. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/hepatic-function-panel-with-ggt?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a>)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Acute or chronic pancreatitis &amp; systemic inflammation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/lipase-test\">Lipase<\/a><\/strong><br><strong>What it measures:<\/strong>\u00a0A pancreatic enzyme\u2014more specific and stays elevated longer than amylase in acute pancreatitis.<br><strong>When it\u2019s used:<\/strong>\u00a0First\u2011line test when severe epigastric pain suggests pancreatitis.<br><strong>Patient benefit:<\/strong>\u00a0A timely lipase can\u00a0<strong>confirm pancreatitis<\/strong>\u00a0quickly, guiding pain control, fluids, nutrition, and imaging (instead of losing time on unrelated causes). (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/lipase?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/amylase\/%23\/VUxUQUEwODA%3D\">Amylase<\/a><\/strong><br><strong>Role:<\/strong>&nbsp;Adjunct enzyme; less specific than lipase but still informative when used together.<br><strong>Patient benefit:<\/strong>&nbsp;Helps characterize the&nbsp;<strong>time course<\/strong>&nbsp;of inflammation and, with lipase, adds confidence to the diagnosis. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/amylase\/%23\/VUxUQUEwODA%3D?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/c-reactive-protein-crp\">C\u2011Reactive Protein (CRP)<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/sed-rate-test\">ESR (Sedimentation Rate)<\/a><\/strong><br><strong>Role:<\/strong>\u00a0Inflammation markers used to gauge severity and recovery.<br><strong>Patient benefit:<\/strong>\u00a0If pain is improving but CRP\/ESR stay high, your team knows to\u00a0<strong>look deeper<\/strong>\u00a0for complications (necrosis, infection, pseudocyst) rather than assuming you\u2019re in the clear. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/c-reactive-protein-crp?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/triglycerides-test\">Triglycerides<\/a><\/strong><br><strong>Role:<\/strong>&nbsp;Very high levels can&nbsp;<strong>cause<\/strong>&nbsp;pancreatitis.<br><strong>Patient benefit:<\/strong>&nbsp;Identifies a&nbsp;<strong>treatable trigger<\/strong>&nbsp;(diet, meds, genetic lipid disorders) so you can prevent another attack. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/triglycerides-test?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>One\u2011click option:&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/acute-pancreatitis-panel\">Acute Pancreatitis Panel<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;(lipase + amylase) speeds the initial work\u2011up. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/acute-pancreatitis-panel?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a>)<br>Broader assessment:&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/pancreatic-health-panel\">Pancreatic Health Panel<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;adds context labs often used in ongoing care. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/pancreatic-health-panel?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a>)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Diabetes as a red flag (new or suddenly worse)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Glucose &amp; A1c<\/strong><br><strong>Role:<\/strong>&nbsp;Fasting glucose documents baseline blood sugar; A1c averages 3\u2011month control. OGTT can be used when results are borderline or a specific question arises.<br><strong>Patient benefit:<\/strong>&nbsp;If diabetes appears&nbsp;<strong>out of the blue after 50<\/strong>&nbsp;or established diabetes suddenly worsens\u2014especially with weight loss, jaundice, or back pain\u2014objective numbers help your clinician&nbsp;<strong>escalate imaging<\/strong>&nbsp;and add supportive markers (e.g., CA 19\u20119) sooner.<br><em>(Ulta Lab Tests offers multiple glucose and A1c options; many are also included within broader panels like the CMP listed above.)<\/em>&nbsp;(<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/comprehensive-metabolic-panel-cmp?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs): functional hormone markers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/chromogranin-a-test\">Chromogranin A<\/a><\/strong><br><strong>Role:<\/strong>&nbsp;General neuroendocrine tumor (NET) marker used primarily for&nbsp;<strong>monitoring trends<\/strong>&nbsp;over time.<br><strong>Patient benefit:<\/strong>&nbsp;Once a NET is diagnosed on imaging\/biopsy,&nbsp;<strong>trending CgA<\/strong>&nbsp;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\u2014your clinician may advise holding them if appropriate.) (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/chromogranin-a-test?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/gastrin-test\">Gastrin<\/a><\/strong><br><strong>Role:<\/strong>\u00a0Elevated in gastrinomas (Zollinger\u2011Ellison syndrome) with severe acid hypersecretion.<br><strong>Patient benefit:<\/strong>\u00a0In the right symptom pattern (refractory ulcers, diarrhea), documenting high gastrin\u00a0<strong>narrows the differential<\/strong>\u00a0and guides specialized imaging. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/gastrin\/%23\/Q0FNMjA%3D?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/serotonin-serum-test\">Serotonin (serum)<\/a><\/strong><br><strong>Role:<\/strong>&nbsp;Adjunct in carcinoid\u2011type syndromes; complements 24\u2011hour urine 5\u2011HIAA (urine test).<br><strong>Patient benefit:<\/strong>&nbsp;When symptoms suggest a serotonin\u2011secreting NET (flushing\/diarrhea), a serum level can support the case while you complete urine testing and imaging, helping your team&nbsp;<strong>move faster<\/strong>. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/serotonin-serum-test?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Need several hormones together? The&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/pancreatic-hormone-secreting-neuro-endocrine-tumor-pannet-panel\">Pancreatic Hormone\u2011Secreting NET (PanNET) Panel<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;bundles common NET markers to reduce round\u2011trips. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/pancreatic-hormone-secreting-neuro-endocrine-tumor-pannet-panel?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a>)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How these labs speed decisions (and protect you)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>They shorten the path to imaging.<\/strong>&nbsp;A cholestatic pattern (\u2191bilirubin\u2011direct, \u2191ALP, \u2191GGT) pushes imaging of the bile duct\/pancreas higher on the list, which can get you to ERCP, stenting, or surgical consult&nbsp;<strong>days sooner<\/strong>. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/hepatic-function-panel-test?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>They reduce missed secondary problems.<\/strong>&nbsp;Persistently high CRP\/ESR after pancreatitis can prompt checks for complications (necrosis, infection), not just symptom\u2011watching. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/c-reactive-protein-crp?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>They give you a trend to track.<\/strong>&nbsp;Tumor markers (CA 19\u20119 \u00b1 CEA; CgA for NETs) rarely tell the whole story alone, but&nbsp;<strong>trends<\/strong>&nbsp;help gauge whether therapy is helping and whether to re\u2011image sooner. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/ca-19-9?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>They uncover treatable triggers.<\/strong>&nbsp;Very high triglycerides can&nbsp;<em>cause<\/em>&nbsp;pancreatitis; fixing the lipid problem helps prevent another attack. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/triglycerides-test?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Not every test is right for every person<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s no single blood test that \u201cscreens\u201d everyone for pancreatic cancer. Lab results should be interpreted alongside your&nbsp;<strong>history, exam, and imaging<\/strong>. Your clinician may add stool\/urine tests (for example, fecal elastase\u20111 for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency or 24\u2011hour urine 5\u2011HIAA for serotonin\u2011secreting NETs) based on your symptoms and initial lab patterns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>To browse many pancreas\u2011related blood tests in one place, see Ulta\u2019s&nbsp;<strong>Pancreatic Cancer<\/strong>&nbsp;test collection (which includes CA 19\u20119, CEA, CMP, CBC, ALP\/AST\/ALT, and more). (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/testing\/categories\/cancer-screening\/pancreatic-cancer?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a>)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Practical tips before you draw<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Ask about preparation.<\/strong>&nbsp;Some tests are best done&nbsp;<strong>fasting<\/strong>&nbsp;(e.g., many lipid panels\/triglycerides), while others are not. Your order will include instructions. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/advanced-cholesterol-lab-panel?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Medications matter.<\/strong>&nbsp;Proton\u2011pump inhibitors can elevate Chromogranin A; your clinician will advise if\/when to hold them. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/chromogranin-a-test?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Plan for follow\u2011up.<\/strong>&nbsp;Many results are available in&nbsp;<strong>1\u20132 business days<\/strong>; specialty hormones can take longer. Use secure online access to share results with your provider promptly. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quick reference: linked blood tests in this guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Tumor markers:<\/strong>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/ca-19-9\">CA 19\u20119<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/cea\">CEA<\/a>. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/ca-19-9?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Liver\/obstructive patterns:<\/strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/hepatic-function-panel-test\">Hepatic Function Panel<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/gamma-glutamyl-transferase-ggt\">GGT<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/bilirubin-total-test\">Bilirubin, Total<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/bilirubin-direct-test\">Bilirubin, Direct<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/alp-test\">ALP<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/ast-test\">AST<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/comprehensive-metabolic-panel-cmp\">CMP<\/a>. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/hepatic-function-panel-test?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pancreatitis &amp; inflammation:<\/strong>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/lipase\">Lipase<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/amylase\/%23\/VUxUQUEwODA%3D\">Amylase<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/c-reactive-protein-crp\">CRP<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/sed-rate-by-modified-westergren-esr\">ESR<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/triglycerides-test\">Triglycerides<\/a>. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/lipase?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>NET markers:<\/strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/chromogranin-a-test\">Chromogranin A<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/gastrin-test\">Gastrin<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/serotonin-serum-test\">Serotonin (serum)<\/a>. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/chromogranin-a-test?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Helpful bundles:<\/strong>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/acute-pancreatitis-panel\">Acute Pancreatitis Panel<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/pancreatic-health-panel\">Pancreatic Health Panel<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/pancreatic-comprehensive-assessment-panel\">Pancreatic Comprehensive Assessment Panel<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/pancreatic-hormone-secreting-neuro-endocrine-tumor-pannet-panel\">PanNET Panel<\/a>. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/acute-pancreatitis-panel?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-summary-of-key-points\">Summary of Key Points<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pancreatic cancer is hard to catch early because symptoms can be subtle or mimic common issues. The key is noticing&nbsp;<strong>new<\/strong>&nbsp;patterns that&nbsp;<strong>persist<\/strong>\u2014and acting quickly with the&nbsp;<strong>right labs and imaging<\/strong>&nbsp;so treatment isn\u2019t delayed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Early warning signs to take seriously<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Jaundice<\/strong>&nbsp;(yellow eyes\/skin),&nbsp;<strong>dark urine<\/strong>,&nbsp;<strong>pale or floating stools<\/strong>,&nbsp;<strong>itching<\/strong><br>\u2192 Suggests bile\u2011duct obstruction, more common with tumors in the&nbsp;<strong>head<\/strong>&nbsp;of the pancreas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Upper\u2011abdominal pain<\/strong>&nbsp;that radiates straight through to the&nbsp;<strong>mid\u2011back<\/strong><br>\u2192 Can reflect pancreatic inflammation or tumor\u2011related pain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unintentional weight loss<\/strong>, early fullness, nausea, indigestion<br>\u2192 Can signal digestive enzyme problems (exocrine pancreatic insufficiency) in chronic disease.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>New\u2011onset diabetes after age 50<\/strong>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<strong>suddenly harder\u2011to\u2011control diabetes<\/strong><br>\u2192 Metabolic red flag that sometimes precedes other signs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>First\u2011episode pancreatitis without a clear cause<\/strong>, especially after ~50<br>\u2192 Warrants careful follow\u2011up to exclude a structural cause.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Don\u2019t wait<\/strong>: Jaundice, persistent abdominal\/back pain, or unexplained weight loss should be evaluated&nbsp;<strong>within days<\/strong>, not weeks.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">My preferred test assortment (fast, practical next steps)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>These are&nbsp;<strong>blood tests<\/strong>&nbsp;that are recommend most often for a quick, decision\u2011moving work\u2011up. Each item includes&nbsp;<strong>what it tells you<\/strong>,&nbsp;<strong>when it\u2019s used<\/strong>, and&nbsp;<strong>how it helps you<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1) Rapid work\u2011up when jaundice or bile\u2011duct blockage is suspected<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hepatic (Liver) Function Panel<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/hepatic-function-panel-test\">Order<\/a><br><strong>Tells you:<\/strong>&nbsp;Bilirubin (total\/direct), AST, ALT, ALP, albumin, total protein.<br><strong>Use when:<\/strong>&nbsp;Jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, itching.<br><strong>Why it helps:<\/strong>&nbsp;Confirms a&nbsp;<strong>cholestatic pattern<\/strong>&nbsp;and severity so imaging and (if needed) biliary drainage can be prioritized quickly.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/hepatic-function-panel?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>GGT (Gamma\u2011Glutamyl Transferase)<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/ggt-test\">Order<\/a><br><strong>Tells you:<\/strong>&nbsp;A bile\u2011duct\u2013sensitive enzyme that rises with cholestasis.<br><strong>Use with:<\/strong>&nbsp;Elevated ALP or suspected obstruction.<br><strong>Why it helps:<\/strong>&nbsp;Improves&nbsp;<strong>specificity<\/strong>&nbsp;that an elevated ALP is liver\/bile\u2011duct (not bone), sharpening the case for expedited imaging.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/gamma-glutamyl-transferase-ggt?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Prefer a single click?&nbsp;<strong>Hepatic Panel with GGT<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/hepatic-function-panel-with-ggt\">Order<\/a>&nbsp;(adds GGT automatically).&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/hepatic-function-panel-with-ggt?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2) First\u2011line enzymes when pancreatitis is on the table<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Lipase<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/lipase-test\">Order<\/a><br><strong>Tells you:<\/strong>\u00a0Pancreatic enzyme most specific for acute pancreatitis; stays elevated longer than amylase.<br><strong>Why it helps:<\/strong>\u00a0A timely lipase can\u00a0<strong>confirm pancreatitis<\/strong>\u00a0and focus care (fluids, pain control, nutrition) without losing time on unrelated causes.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/lipase?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Acute Pancreatitis Panel (Lipase + Amylase)<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/acute-pancreatitis-panel\">Order<\/a><br><strong>Why it helps:<\/strong>&nbsp;A&nbsp;<strong>one\u2011step<\/strong>&nbsp;order that documents enzyme elevation for diagnosis, staging, and monitoring.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/acute-pancreatitis-panel?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pancreatic Function Test Panel (Amylase + Lipase)<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/pancreatic-function-test-panel\">Order<\/a><br><strong>Why it helps:<\/strong>&nbsp;Another streamlined option if you want both enzymes together for trend\u2011tracking across the acute course.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/pancreatic-function-test-panel?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Consider adding&nbsp;<strong>CRP<\/strong>&nbsp;for severity\/inflammation tracking \u2014&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/c-reactive-protein-test\">Order CRP<\/a>.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/c-reactive-protein-crp?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3) Cancer evaluation adjuncts (used with imaging\u2014not as general screening)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>CA 19\u20119<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/ca-19-9-test\">Order<\/a><br><strong>Tells you:<\/strong>&nbsp;A tumor\u2011associated glycoprotein often elevated in pancreatic adenocarcinoma and some benign cholestatic states.<br><strong>Why it helps:<\/strong>&nbsp;Best used to&nbsp;<strong>establish a baseline<\/strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>monitor trends<\/strong>&nbsp;after therapy; rising or falling patterns can prompt&nbsp;<strong>earlier imaging<\/strong>&nbsp;or treatment adjustments.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/ca-19-9?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen)<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/cea-test\">Order<\/a><br><strong>Tells you:<\/strong>&nbsp;A complementary tumor marker sometimes informative when CA 19\u20119 is not.<br><strong>Why it helps:<\/strong>&nbsp;Offers a&nbsp;<strong>second signal<\/strong>&nbsp;to triangulate disease activity during follow\u2011up.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/cea?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pancreatic\u2011Health &amp; Cancer\u2011Surveillance Comprehensive Panel<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/pancreatic-health-cancer-surveillance-comprehensive-panel\">Order<\/a><br><strong>Why it helps:<\/strong>&nbsp;Bundles&nbsp;<strong>CA 19\u20119 + CEA<\/strong>&nbsp;with broader context labs so you and your clinician can monitor cancer activity&nbsp;<strong>and<\/strong>&nbsp;overall treatment readiness in one draw.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/pancreatic-health-cancer-surveillance-comprehensive-panel?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4) A practical, all\u2011purpose baseline for ongoing pancreatic care<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pancreatic Health Panel<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/pancreatic-health-panel\">Order<\/a><br><strong>What\u2019s inside:<\/strong>&nbsp;Lipase and other helpful context labs (often including CBC).<br><strong>Why it helps:<\/strong>&nbsp;A single,&nbsp;<strong>re\u2011orderable<\/strong>&nbsp;baseline that\u2019s ideal for chronic or recurrent pancreatic issues and for tracking stability over time.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/pancreatic-health-panel?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5) When a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PanNET) is suspected<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Chromogranin A<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/chromogranin-a-test\">Order<\/a><br><strong>Tells you:<\/strong>&nbsp;A general NET marker; useful for&nbsp;<strong>trend monitoring<\/strong>&nbsp;once a NET is diagnosed.<br><strong>Why it helps:<\/strong>&nbsp;Offers a&nbsp;<strong>between\u2011scan<\/strong>&nbsp;signal\u2014if your level drifts up, your team can re\u2011image earlier. (Some acid\u2011suppressing meds can elevate CgA; your clinician will advise.)&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/chromogranin-a-test?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pancreatic Hormone\u2011Secreting Neuro\u2011Endocrine Tumor (PanNET) Panel<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/pancreatic-hormone-secreting-neuro-endocrine-tumor-pannet-panel\">Order<\/a><br><strong>What\u2019s inside:<\/strong>&nbsp;A curated set of NET markers (including CgA) keyed to functional tumors (e.g., insulinoma, gastrinoma, VIPoma).<br><strong>Why it helps:<\/strong>&nbsp;Reduces&nbsp;<strong>round\u2011trips<\/strong>&nbsp;by bundling the common NET signals your clinician will want to review alongside imaging.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/pancreatic-hormone-secreting-neuro-endocrine-tumor-pannet-panel?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ulta Lab Tests<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How these labs move care forward<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>They clarify urgency.<\/strong>&nbsp;A cholestatic liver pattern (e.g., \u2191direct bilirubin, \u2191ALP, \u2191GGT) points to obstruction and can accelerate imaging or biliary drainage\u2014often&nbsp;<strong>days sooner<\/strong>&nbsp;than watchful waiting.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/hepatic-function-panel?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ulta Lab Tests+1<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>They confirm or rule\u2011in pancreatitis quickly.<\/strong>&nbsp;A positive&nbsp;<strong>lipase<\/strong>&nbsp;(\u00b1 amylase) gets you on the right pathway fast (fluids, analgesia, nutrition) and helps decide when to image.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/lipase?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ulta Lab Tests+1<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>They give you trend lines, not just snapshots.<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>CA 19\u20119<\/strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>CEA<\/strong>&nbsp;(and&nbsp;<strong>CgA<\/strong>&nbsp;for NETs) are most useful over time\u2014declining levels can reassure; rising levels can prompt action between scans.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/ca-19-9?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ulta Lab Tests+2Ulta Lab Tests+2<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Timing:<\/strong>&nbsp;Many results are available in&nbsp;<strong>1\u20132 business days<\/strong>, though some specialty markers take longer. (Exact turnaround varies by test.)&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Pancreatic cancer is hard to spot early. Knowing the subtle signs\u2014and acting quickly with the right lab tests\u2014can speed diagnosis and treatment. All tests below are available through Ulta Lab Tests and performed by&nbsp;Quest Diagnostics. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":2143,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[62,90,72,99,200],"tags":[1652,1650,1651,1649,1654,1653],"class_list":["post-2139","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cancer","category-digestive-system","category-pancreatic-cancer","category-pancreatic-diseases","category-pancreatitis","tag-ca-19-9","tag-early-signs-of-pancreatic-cancer","tag-pancreatic-cancer-blood-tests","tag-pancreatic-cancer-symptoms","tag-pancreatic-health-panel","tag-pancreatitis-tests"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.3 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Key Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer to Watch For | Ulta Lab Tests<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Pancreatic cancer is hard to catch. Explore symptoms and every lab test via Ulta Lab Tests: CA 19\u20119, CEA, lipase, stool elastase, IgG4, 5\u2011HIAA\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/cancer\/key-symptoms-of-pancreatic-cancer-to-watch-for\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Key Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer to Watch For\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Pancreatic cancer is hard to catch. Explore symptoms and every lab test via Ulta Lab Tests: CA 19\u20119, CEA, lipase, stool elastase, IgG4, 5\u2011HIAA\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/cancer\/key-symptoms-of-pancreatic-cancer-to-watch-for\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Ulta Lab Tests\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/facebook.com\/ultalabtests\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-08-08T15:23:46+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-08-28T15:50:41+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Woman-with-Pancreatic-Cancer.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"John R\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"John R\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"15 minutes\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Key Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer to Watch For | Ulta Lab Tests","description":"Pancreatic cancer is hard to catch. 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