Jaundice in Pancreatic Cancer Patients

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This booklet for patients and carers describes pancreatic cancer, its causes and symptoms. It gives detailed information on the diagnostic tests used and the stages of pancreatic cancer. It includes a section on what to ask your doctor, where to go for further information and a glossary to explain many of the terms used.

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Jaundice is common in people with pancreatic cancer. It develops when the bile duct becomes blocked by the tumour and yellow pigment (bilirubin) builds up in the body that is normally excreted (passed).

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Jaundice may be painless, but it can be very itchy and irritating. It can also make the skin feel hot and uncomfortable; this is called pruritis. Jaundice can also cause nausea and vomiting as well as digestive problems and tiredness.

How do I know I have this?

The most obvious sign is yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes; jaundice may also cause your urine to be dark yellow and/or itching of the skin.

You should seek urgent medical advice if you are worried that you have the signs of jaundice.

You will need to be referred for tests to identify the cause. NICE guidelines suggest that anyone with jaundice should be investigated further.

There are many ways of treating jaundice and your medical team will help you decide which is the right one for you. One option is to be fitted with a stent to remove the blockage and keep the bile duct open. Another option is a surgical procedure called a pancreatic biliary bypass. The surgeon will bypass the blockage and allow bile to flow from your stomach to the small intestine which should solve the jaundice.

The symptoms of jaundice can be eased using medications if these surgical approaches are not appropriate to help drain your bile duct. Antihistamines and skin care are also important to relieve the itching. Keeping skin cool and using moisturising creams to stop it drying out can help relieve the symptoms.


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Pruritus

What is pruritus?

Itching caused by pruritisPruritus is itching of the skin when you are jaundiced. The itch is caused by a build-up of bile salts in the blood when the bile ducts are blocked, or the liver is not working properly. This can also make the skin feel hot and uncomfortable.

How can the itch be treated?

The most effective way to relieve the symptoms of pruritus is to treat the underlying cause of the jaundice. 

Jaundice caused by a tumour blocking the tubes that drain bile from the liver and gall bladder into the bowel (obstructive jaundice) can be treated in several ways:

Other ways of relieving pruritus while these treatments take effect may include:

  • Using an antihistamine medication ( e.g. Piriton)
  • A medicine called Cholestyramine (this may help the body excrete excess bile salts)
  • Frequent skin care
  • Keeping skin cool and moist
  • Using an aqueous (moisturising) skin cream, applied liberally to the affected areas to keep skin moist

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Information Product № Published 15/10/2019
Last Updated 07/08/2024 Next Review Due 26/07/2027