Abdominal tenderness
The pancreas is located in the upper abdomen, and it is a very large structure in contact with many other organs. When it becomes inflamed, it will start swelling and affecting the nearby tissues and the peritoneum, which is the inner lining of the abdomen, in direct contact with the abdominal organs. In the peritoneum, there are many nerve endings, and the swelling from the peritoneum causes severe pain sensation when in contact with the peritoneum. Therefore, any pressure or touch in the abdomen would rub the peritoneum against the swelling pancreas, and cause excessive pain.