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Jaundice

Jaundice is identified primarily by your skin and the white of your eyes becoming yellow or greenish yellow. Dark urine and light or clay-colored stools can also be associated with jaundice.

Jaundice occurs when bilirubin, a component of bile, builds up in your blood. Bilirubin is created in the liver as a breakdown product of worn-out red blood cells and is typically eliminated from the body when bile is released from the gallbladder. Bile travels from the gallbladder through the common bile duct and passes through the pancreas just before emptying into the duodenum. However, when the bile duct becomes blocked - for any reason - jaundice can occur.

Deep-felt itching often accompanies obstructive jaundice. This is a condition known as pruritis.

In Pancreatic Cancer: Jaundice typically occurs in pancreatic cancer when a tumor in the head of the pancreas first narrows, then obstructs the common bile duct, blocking the flow of bile.

Other Causes: Gallstones, which are primarily made up of cholesterol, are a common cause of jaundice. Gallstones can also block the bile duct. Other causes of jaundice that are not obstructive include liver diseases like hepatitis and cirrhosis, and other conditions that cause red blood cells to break down too quickly.

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