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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Can patients with advanced pancreatic cancer drink yogurt?

Patients with advanced pancreatic cancer can drink yogurt. Yogurt contains fats and proteins, which are not particularly high in content, and also contains probiotics that can effectively aid digestion. It is beneficial for relieving symptoms such as poor appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Drinking a moderate amount of yogurt can be beneficial for the body. Patients in the late stages of pancreatic cancer should adhere to a light diet, avoid greasy foods, and avoid drinking pure milk and soy milk, among others. A light diet should be the main focus.

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Is pancreatic cancer contagious?

Pancreatic cancer, like other malignant tumors, is not contagious. Therefore, in clinical settings, including patients' families and accompanying healthcare staff often ask doctors if they might catch the disease while interacting with cancer patients. It is important to educate that malignant tumors, including pancreatic cancer, are not contagious. Contagious diseases refer to chronic conditions like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tuberculosis, AIDS, etc., which can spread through contact with bodily fluids or blood of the affected individuals. However, malignant tumors are not infectious.

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What to do about pancreatic cancer pain?

Pancreatic cancer pain is common in clinical practice, with some patients presenting with abdominal pain as their initial symptom. Pain management can be symptomatic, using analgesics for relief. For mild pain, tramadol can be chosen for pain relief. For severe pain, opioid analgesics such as morphine sustained-release tablets, oxycodone sustained-release tablets, or morphine tablets can be used for pain relief. These are merely symptomatic treatments. The fundamental approach involves surgical or oncological treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy to treat pancreatic cancer. Only when the tumor is controlled will the symptoms of pain be alleviated.

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What are the signs of pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is a type of malignant tumor of the digestive tract that is difficult to detect in its early stages. The signs of pancreatic cancer mainly include the following: First, among people with diabetes, if there is a sudden occurrence of uncontrollable blood sugar levels, unexplained general fatigue, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, or even jaundice, one should highly suspect the possibility of pancreatic cancer. Second, individuals with a family history of cancer who recently experience unexplained symptoms related to the digestive tract should also be alert to the possibility of pancreatic cancer. Third, some patients may experience unexplained rapid weight loss accompanied by significant jaundice, which should also be considered as potentially indicating pancreatic cancer.

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What department should pancreatic cancer patients see?

For the treatment of pancreatic cancer, if it is in the early stages and the surgeons assess that surgery is feasible, surgical treatment is the main approach. If surgery is not feasible according to the surgeon's assessment, or if the cancer is found at an advanced stage without the opportunity for surgery, then the treatment involves chemotherapy or some symptomatic supportive treatments. Therefore, patients at their first consultation should initially visit the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery to see if surgery is possible, and then consult the Department of Oncology for further treatment steps, especially for patients who do not have the opportunity for surgery, who need to visit the Department of Oncology.