Does pancreatic cancer cause bloody stools?

Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
Updated on February 13, 2025
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Patients with pancreatic cancer may exhibit clinical symptoms of bloody stools, and the possible causes are as follows: First, the lesion of pancreatic cancer invades organs and tissues such as the gastrointestinal tract, causing damage to the mucous membranes, which clinically results in bloody stools. Second, if the pancreatic cancer metastasizes to the liver, liver function is impaired. Some patients may develop hyperactive splenic function, leading to a decline in platelet counts. When platelet levels drop to a certain extent, spontaneous visceral bleeding can occur, which may also manifest as bloody stools clinically. Third, in the late stages of pancreatic cancer, the disease may cause metastasis to multiple organs, leading to the complication of disseminated intravascular coagulation. This results in impaired coagulation function, making gastrointestinal bleeding likely, which is also clinically manifested as bloody stools.

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The difference between pancreatic tumors and pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic tumors include benign and malignant tumors, with malignant pancreatic tumors commonly referred to as pancreatic cancer. Benign pancreatic tumors include insulinomas, pancreatic cysts, lipomas of the pancreas, or fibromas, which are relatively rare in clinical settings. Whether benign or malignant, including pancreatic cancer, symptoms can include upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice, among other clinical signs. However, distinguishing between benign and malignant tumors requires pathological examination.

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Is a pancreatic tumor the same as pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic tumors include benign and malignant tumors of the pancreas. Common benign pancreatic tumors include insulinomas, which can cause hypoglycemia due to excessive insulin secretion. Other benign tumors of the pancreas include adenomas, lipomas, and fibromas, which are relatively rare clinically. Malignant tumors of the pancreas are commonly referred to as pancreatic cancer, which has a high degree of malignancy. Early-stage pancreatic cancer patients are primarily treated with surgery.

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What are some symptoms of early pancreatic cancer?

Patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer generally do not exhibit many symptoms, as the tumors are relatively small. Clinically, many patients may experience intermittent mild abdominal pain that does not affect their daily lives. A small number of early-stage patients may exhibit symptoms of general fatigue, mild loss of appetite, nausea, mild acid reflux, or other symptoms of indigestion. Additionally, a few patients in the early stages may experience intermittent episodes of diarrhea. Because these symptoms are not distinctive, patients rarely seek medical attention early. When symptoms like significant epigastric pain and jaundice become apparent, it often indicates that the pancreatic cancer has progressed to a more advanced stage.

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How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed?

The most common symptoms of pancreatic cancer are pain in the upper abdomen and jaundice. During physical examination, a mass in the upper abdomen can be felt, which is a common symptom. When these symptoms appear, further abdominal ultrasound or CT scans should be performed, as these two are the most commonly used imaging methods for diagnosing pancreatic cancer. Additionally, pancreatic MRI or PET-CT can also help enhance the diagnostic accuracy for pancreatic cancer. MRCP and ERCP are also used to assess the bile ducts and to evaluate the feasibility of surgery. Blood tests for pancreatic cancer-related tumor markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CA19-9, are commonly performed, with CA19-9 being particularly sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

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What to do about heart heat in late-stage pancreatic cancer?

In the late stages of pancreatic cancer, if you feel a burning sensation in the chest area, this is generally due to the spread of cancer cells causing this phenomenon. The spread of cancer cells can lead to an increase in body temperature, and even fever. There are also clinical manifestations such as palpitations, chest tightness, and increased heart rate. Treatment should be based on individual clinical symptoms, combined with the results of various examinations. Generally, in the late stages of pancreatic cancer, it is important to pay attention to replenishing the body's nutrition intravenously.