Status: 13.01.2024, 17:16 PM
By: Judith Braun
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It is considered the deadliest of all cancers: pancreatic cancer. The dangerous thing is that there are hardly any signs of disease. However, changes in the feces can provide information.
According to the Cancer Information Service of the German Cancer Research Center (dkfz), more than 20,000 people in Germany are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer every year. With age, the risk of developing pancreatic cancer increases. It is also considered the deadliest of all cancers. According to information from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), women have a chance of survival of 8.6 percent, men only 7.2 percent. The danger with this type of cancer is that there are hardly any warning signs of disease. In addition to rather non-specific symptoms, a change in bowel movements can also be an indication.
Recognising pancreatic cancer by altered bowel movements – six important signals
Pancreatic cancer is considered the deadliest of all cancers. © Science Photo Library/IMAGO
Patients with pancreatic cancer may suffer from typical gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea or constipation. In addition, pancreatic cancer can also manifest itself through altered bowel movements. This is because cancer impairs the digestive process. At the same time, the tumor reduces the amount of pancreatic enzymes that are released in the intestine and support digestion. However, as a result, fat that is normally absorbed by the body enters the stool undigested. This, in turn, leads to the following characteristics of bowel movements:
- buoyant
- pale coloration
- thick
- oily
- smells bad
- is difficult to wash down
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Pancreatic cancer: What is the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic carcinomas are often discovered by chance during an examination (e.g. during an ultrasound of the abdomen), as reported by the onco-internet portal of the German Cancer Society. If pancreatic cancer is suspected, the doctor will take the necessary diagnostic steps. It must be clarified whether it is actually a tumor. If this is the case, it is checked where the tumor is located and how far the cancer has already progressed.
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This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It is in no way a substitute for a visit to the doctor. Individual questions about clinical pictures may not be answered by our editorial team.
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