One of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer is steatorrhea, which is characterized by fatty stools. This occurs when the body is unable to digest fat properly, as it is unable to produce pancreatic enzymes. This can manifest as stools that float, are oily, and have a tendency to leave a residue in the toilet.
The connection between bowel movements and pancreatic cancer can be explained by the role of the pancreas in the digestive process. When a tumor blocks the pancreatic duct, it interferes with the digestive process.
It is not uncommon for people experiencing changes in bowel movements to assume that they are experiencing common digestive issues.
New-Onset Diabetes
One of the unusual manifestations of pancreatic cancer is the onset of diabetes in individuals without a history of diabetes. This is because the pancreas is responsible for the production of insulin, and when cancer occurs in the pancreas, there is a possibility of blood sugar levels being affected.
When diabetes occurs, the patient is likely to experience excessive thirst, urination, tiredness, and blurred vision. It is possible for diabetes to occur months or years prior to other cancer symptoms.
Although most diabetes is not associated with cancer, sudden-onset diabetes without other risk factors should be further investigated.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom of pancreatic cancer, although it is frequently not taken seriously. Unlike normal fatigue, fatigue from cancer does not go away even after resting.
It is believed that fatigue occurs as a result of the body using extra energy to combat cancer, changes in metabolism, and inadequate nutrition as a result of digestive complications. In addition, fatigue can also be a result of a patient having a low red blood cell count, a condition referred to as anemia.
Generally, fatigue is a vague symptom, and it is frequently dismissed as a result of stress and lifestyle. However, fatigue is a symptom that cannot be ignored, especially when it is continuous.
Blood Clots
Pancreatic cancer can also cause blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which usually occurs in the legs. The symptoms include swelling, redness, warmth, and pain in the affected part.
The blood clots that are formed in the legs by the pancreatic cancer can move to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism, which is a medical emergency.
