Would pancreatic cancer show up in a routine physical?

Unfortunately pancreatic cancer is not easily detectable on regular exam or usual tests. This is why most cases are discovered at an advanced stage. There is no screening test for it. Age older than 50 years, smoking history, obesity, chronic pancreatitis are some of the risk factors.

Often pancreatic cancer, if early, will not show up on a routine physical exam and often needs imaging studies such as CT or MRI to detect, followed by biopsy if suspicious area. There are exceptions. If someone presents with Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and/or sclera of the eyes), due to increased bilirubin levels, then that could be a tip off to further evaluate with imaging studies.