Strange telltale sign under your ribs could be first symptom of pancreas cancer

While common symptoms of pancreatic cancer include abdominal pain or weight loss, a strange ‘fluttering’ sensation has been identified by patients with the condition

Doctors have warned of a strange symptom under the ribs that could be a sign of pancreatic cancer.

Recognising the signs of cancer and knowing how to spot them early can be pivotal in the success of treatment and recovery.

With the NHS under immense pressure over the last year, recognising conditions early to give maximum time for a response has never been more important.

This rings especially true with pancreatic cancer, which is believed to be one of the most deadly cancers. Only 5% of patients survive five years or more after diagnosis, according to Cancer Research UK.

While most of the symptoms are well known, there is another telltale sign many may not be aware of.

Unusual pancreatic cancer symptom

One unusual symptom reported by the British Medical Journal (BMJ) a sensation felt under the ribs. This is due to the location of the pancreas, behind the stomach where the rib meets the breastbone.

In the BMJ, the experiences of a patient called Rachel were discussed. It said: “Two years before her pancreatic cancer was diagnosed, Rachel consulted her doctor about a pain under her left rib, which she suspected was a pulled muscle after doing heavy gardening work.

“The pain continued to worsen and four months after it first occurred, Rachel once again returned to the GP.

“This time, after another careful examination that included being ‘prodded everywhere’ and having her heart and lungs listened to, the GP concluded she should be referred to a heart specialist. This had no effect.

“Rachel’s GP then sent her to see a hospital specialist who did an endoscopy and a scan but didn’t suspect cancer.

“He at first interpreted the images as suggesting a hiatus hernia but after reviewing the scan results decided that she had cancer in the middle of her pancreas and secondary in her liver.”

According to Health Talk, other people with the conditions have reported a fluttering, feeling while elsewhere a pulsating sensation under the rib has been reported.

A small number of pancreatic cancers are known as islet cell cancers. They trigger an overproduction of insulin which lowers blood sugar levels. According to the Pancreas Foundation, this can lead to chills, diarrhoea and muscle spasms.

According to Mayo clinic, other, more common symptoms of pancreatic cancer are “abdominal pain that radiates to your back, loss of appetite, or unintended weight loss.”

One of the reasons that pancreatic cancer can be so dangerous is because no two cases of it are the same genetically.

If you are concerned about any symptoms you’ve found, get in touch with your GP and arrange a consultation.