2. Abdominal Pain that Radiates to the Back
A persistent and often worsening pain in the abdomen is a very common symptom. Initially, it may present as a vague, dull discomfort in the upper abdomen, but over time it typically evolves into a more severe, gnawing, or boring sensation that penetrates straight through to the back. This specific pain pattern is due to the pancreas’s deep location in the abdominal cavity, situated close to the spine and a dense network of nerves called the celiac plexus. As the tumor grows, it can press upon or invade these nerves and surrounding organs, causing significant pain. Patients often report that the pain intensifies after meals or when they are lying down flat on their back, and some find a small measure of relief by leaning forward. The persistent nature of this pain, which is not easily relieved, is what often distinguishes it from more common stomach aches.