PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What is a common symptom of pancreatic carcinoma?

1. Chronic cough

2. Painless jaundice

3. Frequent urination

4. Severe headaches

The correct answer is: Painless jaundice

Painless jaundice is a hallmark symptom of pancreatic carcinoma, particularly in cases where the tumor is located in the head of the pancreas. This occurs due to the tumor's compression of the common bile duct, which obstructs the flow of bile from the liver to the small intestine. As a result, bilirubin accumulates in the blood, leading to jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin and sclera. The term "painless" is important because jaundice associated with pancreatic cancer typically does not accompany significant pain, distinguishing it from other causes of jaundice that might be associated with discomfort or pain. In contrast, the other symptoms mentioned are less commonly associated with pancreatic cancer. Chronic cough pertains to respiratory issues, frequent urination relates to conditions affecting the urinary tract or diabetes, and severe headaches may indicate neurological problems, none of which are direct symptoms of pancreatic carcinoma. Thus, painless jaundice serves as a critical indicator of underlying malignancy in the pancreas, facilitating timely diagnosis and management.