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I'm Concerned I Have Pancreatic Cancer. When Going To The

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Posted on Sat, 25 May 2019
Question: I'm concerned I have pancreatic cancer. When going to the bathroom I'm leaving streaks in the bathroom. All my research indicates this.
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
You do not seem to have typical symptoms for pancreatic cancer

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome at "Ask a Doctor" service,

I carefully read your query and here is my advice:

The finding you explain is not very typical of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer mostly causes pain in the tummy, jaundice, recent diabetes, problems with coagulation, liver and gallbladder enlargement and low appetite and weight loss.
If you just notice streaks of stools in the toilet, it is a usual finding. It would be of concern if you would notice blood. In this case a careful visit with the doctor and some examinations might be indicated.

To conclude:
- unless you have blood with stools there is nothing to worry
- you do not have the typical symptoms of pancreatic cancer
- if you notice blood with stools, then further investigation is needed

I hope this answers your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj, General and Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (19 minutes later)
So the fact that I have to flush twice to wash away the stool that streaks the toilet and they float at times is nothing to worry about? I'm sorry I have just finished treatment for breast cancer and I am afraid of any symptoms.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Possible causes explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,

I am sorry for your diagnosis of breast cancer, I understand your concern related to possible other serious conditions.

Generally, the need to flush the toilet more than once and floating stools are due to increased fat in the stools (steatorrhea). The causes for this can be many, from the bowel to pancreas like gluten sensitivity, Crohn disease (inflammatory bowel disease), malnutrition and chronic pancreatic conditions (pancreatitis). Pancreatic cancer is an uncommon cause.

If this lasts for more than 2-3 weeks, you may need to do some tests to verify the increased amount of fat in stools and if this comes high then you will need to have other tests and examinations to find the cause of it.

I hope this answers your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj, General and Family Physician
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4435 Questions

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I'm Concerned I Have Pancreatic Cancer. When Going To The

Brief Answer: You do not seem to have typical symptoms for pancreatic cancer Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome at "Ask a Doctor" service, I carefully read your query and here is my advice: The finding you explain is not very typical of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer mostly causes pain in the tummy, jaundice, recent diabetes, problems with coagulation, liver and gallbladder enlargement and low appetite and weight loss. If you just notice streaks of stools in the toilet, it is a usual finding. It would be of concern if you would notice blood. In this case a careful visit with the doctor and some examinations might be indicated. To conclude: - unless you have blood with stools there is nothing to worry - you do not have the typical symptoms of pancreatic cancer - if you notice blood with stools, then further investigation is needed I hope this answers your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care. Regards, Dr. Antoneta Zotaj, General and Family Physician