Complications of pancreatic cancer

INFORMATION & SUPPORT

Pancreatic cancer and its treatment can lead to additional health problems. These guides explain selected complications, symptoms to report, and questions to ask your care team.

They do not replace urgent assessment or the instructions provided by your treating team. Complications differ between people, and some need urgent attention — each guide below says whether it contains urgent-action information.

Blood clots

Pancreatic cancer increases the risk of blood clots, and some clots are emergencies. This guide covers warning signs, urgent help, prevention, and treatment questions. Contains urgent-action information.

Read: Blood clots and pancreatic cancer →

Weight loss, muscle loss, and cachexia

Weight and muscle loss in pancreatic cancer can have more than one cause at once. This guide explains the different causes of wasting and the role of nutrition, enzymes, and supportive care.

Read: Weight loss, muscle loss, and cachexia in pancreatic cancer →

Ascites: abdominal fluid buildup

Fluid can build up in the abdomen, causing swelling, tightness, and breathlessness. This guide covers symptoms to report, assessment, and symptom-relief options.

Read: Ascites: abdominal fluid buildup in pancreatic cancer →

Having drainage? Read the paracentesis guide → — preparation, what happens during drainage, aftercare, and questions to take home.

Neuropathy

Some treatments cause nerve symptoms — tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands and feet. This guide covers nerve symptoms during treatment and when to report them.

Read: Understanding neuropathy in pancreatic cancer →

Pain

Pain is common with pancreatic cancer, and it can often be eased. This guide covers how to describe pain, the medicine categories that can help, procedures such as nerve blocks, and questions to take to your care team.

Read: Pain and symptom relief in pancreatic cancer →

Jaundice and bile duct blockage

A blocked bile duct can cause yellowing of the skin or eyes, itching, and dark urine. This guide covers the symptoms, the tests, and the stent procedures used to open the duct.

Read: Jaundice, bile duct blockage & stents in pancreatic cancer →

Support alongside these guides

• Nutrition and digestion — eating, absorption, and dietitian support.
• Palliative care and symptom support — help with symptoms at any stage.
• Caregivers Hub — support for family and friend caregivers.

Last reviewed: October 28, 2026 · Report an error