Cancer of the pancreas is a disease in which malignant cells form in the tissues of the pancreas. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, weight loss, back pain, jaundice, general weakness, and loss of appetite. It can be cured only if found in the very early stages before it has spread.
Diagnosis is made by various tests inclucing CT scans of the abdomen and biopsy. Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer and may consist of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
For those applying for disability a diagnosis must be in the treating record. Often when diagnosed, the cancer is inoperable, has shown evidence of spread and cannot be removed by surgery. Because of the very poor outlook , an allowance for receiving benefits can be given under the compassionate allowance rule of social security which means the prognosis is so poor that the chance for one’s returning to work is impossible.