When is jaundice a symptom of 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. 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.