Published: Friday, May 17, 2020
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1
Your bowel movements changed.
Shutterstock If your stool appears light in color and floats, it could be a sign that your pancreas hasn’t been doing its job.
Andrew Hendifar M.D. is the medical director for pancreatic cancer at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles. He explains that “the enzymes your pancreas makes help you digest fats from your diet.” He says that the pancreas helps your body absorb fat soluble vitamins such as A, E and K.
Your stool will appear paler and less dense when your pancreas is unable to produce these enzymes properly, says Dr. Ayers.
Your poop may also be oily or greasy. “The water in the toilet will look like it’s been oiled,” says Dr. Hendifar. He explains that this is the dietary fat which your body has not been able to breakdown.
It’s not a big deal if you have an occasional oily poop or a discolored poop. If you notice that your poop is oily or discolored on a regular basis, tell your doctor.
2
You are experiencing abdominal pain.
Dr. Hendifar explains that abdominal pain is a common symptom of pancreatic cancer as well as pancreatitis. He explains that the pain can manifest in different ways, depending on what is causing it.
Is the pain in your midsection “radiating” to your lower back or your hips? Ted Epperly M.D. is the president and CEO of Full Circle Health. If it persists for several weeks and starts in your middle, this could be a sign that you have pancreatic carcinoma.
Dr. Hendifar points out that doctors often mistake the pain caused by pancreatic carcinoma for reflux or other GI problems. Let your doctor know about these conditions, or if you use a proton-pump inhibitor to treat them.
Dr. Epperly advises that you should also consult your doctor if your pain is sudden, intense and centered in your middle abdomen.
Dr. Hendifar warns that abdominal pain is a sign of many health problems. Keep an eye on the pain and have it checked if you meet any of these criteria.
3
You have diabetes
shutterstock Your pancreas releases hormones to help regulate your blood sugar and insulin levels. A new diagnosis of diabetes may indicate pancreatic problems.
Dr. Berkenblit also says that if you have had diabetes for more than five years, your risk of pancreatic cancer increases. If you have diabetes, pay attention to changes in blood sugar and weight. These could indicate a pancreatic problem.
Dr. Hendifar says that sudden changes in diabetes without an obvious cause are signs of pancreatic cancer.
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4
After eating a fatty meal, you feel nauseous.
Dr. Berkenblit states that nausea and vomiting are signs of pancreatitis. This is especially true if your symptoms occur after eating fatty food, says Dr. Hendifar.
Dr. Epperly explains that diseases of the pancreas can cause nausea because they interfere with your body’s ability to digest fat.
He says that avocados, nuts and hamburgers all contain a lot of fat. Pizza is also a tough one for those with pancreas problems.
5
You are losing weight without realizing it.
Shutterstock Dr. Hendifar suggests that if you are losing weight without trying, and especially if the pain radiates outward from your midsection to your back, it could be because of digestive problems associated with pancreatic disease or cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, people with pancreatic carcinoma also tend to not have much appetite.
Dr. Hendifar explains that other health conditions such as thyroid disease can also cause rapid weight loss. You should see someone in any case.
6
Your skin is yellowing.
Gezim Fazliu/EyeEm // Getty images If you notice yellowing in your skin or the whites your eyes, this is a sign of jaundice. According to the Mayo Clinic, it can also be a sign of pancreatic carcinoma.
Dr. Berkenblit explains that as pancreatic diseases progress, they can cause pressure to your bile canals. This can block the flow of bile from your gallbladder to the small intestine.
A dark urine color is another common symptom. Call your doctor if you see unusual yellow hues.
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Source: Men’s health