Everyone should be alert when there is a change in the color and type of stool. Because it can be a symptom of pancreatic cancer . According to Pancreatic Cancer UK, pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rate of all common cancers.
Therefore , if you see a change in the color and type of stool , you should consult a doctor quickly . Early detection of cancer can prevent premature death.
What is pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer starts in the tissue of the pancreas. which lies behind the lower part of the abdomen. The pancreas secretes enzymes that aid in digestion. It even produces hormones, which help regulate blood sugar.
Pancreatic cancer usually starts in the cells that line the ducts that carry digestive enzymes from your pancreas.
Why does the mall change?
A common feature of pancreatic cancer is stool changes . In the early stages, pancreatic cancer can press on the common bile duct. This prevents the normal secretion of bile in the intestine, which can lead to obstructive jaundice.
Due to this, the patient notices yellow skin and eyes, dark urine and pale colored stools. The skin may also be very itchy.
Any changes in the color and type of stool indicate cancer?
Acolic stools arethe most common symptom of pancreatic cancer. According to the US National Library of Medicine, the clay- colored stooldue to a lack of bile
Insufficiency of pancreatic enzymes results in pale, greasy and often foul-smelling stools. In this case, the patient feels the pressure of the toilet again and again , that is, the stomach is not easily cleaned.
Again , light green, pale green, orange, yellow, or even white stools indicate pancreatic cancer . Along with this, there is also a change in the type of stool like - thick, loose, loose, large in size etc.
What are other symptoms of pancreatic cancer?
There are several other symptoms , besides stool changes , that are associated with pancreatic cancer. These include-
When will you see the doctor ?
Consult a doctor if you notice pale or greasy stools along with changes in stool color and type . The doctor may recommend blood tests to check for infection and liver function.
CEA may also test for pancreatic markers such as CA 19-9 (the most common tumor-associated antigen used in staging patients with rectal cancer and other parts of the colon).
Other tests such as liver ultrasound or CT scan may be needed to check the liver and gallbladder.
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