Symptoms

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is difficult to diagnose. Often, it doesn't cause any symptoms. Symptoms and signs of type 1 AIP are similar to those of pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer signs and symptoms can include:

• Dark urine
• Pale stools or stools that float in the toilet
• Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Pain in your upper abdomen or middle part of your back
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weakness or extreme tiredness
• Loss of appetite or feelings of fullness
• Weight loss for no known reason

The most common sign of type 1 AIP, present in about 80% of people, is painless jaundice, caused by blocked bile ducts. Type 2 AIP can present with recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis. Pain in the upper abdomen, a common symptom of pancreatic cancer, is frequently absent in autoimmune pancreatitis.

Differences between type 1 and type 2 AIP are:

• In type 1 AIP, the disease may affect other organs in addition to the pancreas. Type 2 AIP affects only the pancreas, although the disease is associated with another autoimmune condition, inflammatory bowel disease.
• Type 1 AIP predominantly affects men in the sixth to seventh decade of life.
• Type 2 AIP affects both men and women equally and has a younger age of onset compared with type 1 AIP.
• Type 1 AIP is more likely to relapse after treatment is discontinued.

When to see a doctor

Autoimmune pancreatitis often doesn't cause any symptoms. See your doctor, however, if you experience unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, jaundice, or other signs and symptoms that bother you.