Which color does the stool of a client have when experiencing cancer of the pancreas head
Introduction[edit | edit source] Show
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, which can either be acute (sudden and severe) or chronic (ongoing). The pancreas is a gland that secretes both digestive enzymes and important hormones. Heavy alcohol consumption is one of the most common causes of chronic pancreatitis, followed by gallstones.
Image 1: Anatomy of the pancreas and its related organs, the gall bladder and duodenum Acute Pancreatitis[edit | edit source]Acute pancreatitis is the result of an inflammatory process involving the pancreas caused by the release of activated pancreatic enzymes. Image 2: 3D animation Acute pancreatitis In addition to the pancreas, this disorder can also affect surrounding organs, as well as cause a systemic reaction. This form of pancreatitis is generally brief in duration, milder in symptom presentation, and reversible. However, while this form of the disease resolves both clinically and histologically, approximately 15% of patients with acute pancreatitis will develop chronic pancreatitis.[2][4] Acute pancreatitis may present as mild or severe. Milder forms of acute pancreatitis involve only the interstitium of the pancreas, which accounts for 80% of all cases, and has a temperate presentation with fewer complications. However, severe forms involve necrosis of the pancreatic tissue, which occurs in 20% of cases, and results in increased complications and mortality.[2][4] Chronic Pancreatitis[edit | edit source]Chronic pancreatitis develops from chronic inflammation of the pancreas that results in irreversible and progressive histologic changes. This includes fibrosis and ductal strictures, which destroy the pancreas directly, as well as decreased endocrine and exocrine functions, which can negatively affect other body systems. Unlike acute pancreatitis, this form of the disease is characterized by recurrent or persistent symptoms.[2][4] Etiology[edit | edit source]Around half of all people with acute pancreatitis have been heavy drinkers, which makes alcohol consumption one of the most common causes. Gallstones cause most of the remaining cases. In rare cases, pancreatitis can be caused by:
Epidemiolgy[edit | edit source]Acute pancreatitis accounts for about 275,000 hospital admissions annually.
Chronic pancreatitis has an annual incidence rate of 5 to 12 per 100,000 people.
Characteristics/Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]Abdominal pain is the most common presenting complaint of AP and can occur with nausea and vomiting. Chronic pancreatitis can present with or without abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting. Patients with chronic pancreatitis can present with steatorrhea and weight loss[3]. 1.Common symptoms of an acute pancreatitis include: severe abdominal pain, often spreading through into the back; bloating; fever; sweating; nausea; vomiting; collapse. 2. Some people with chronic pancreatitis suffer recurrent or even constant abdominal pain, which may be severe. Other symptoms include steady weight loss, caused by the body’s inability to properly digest and absorb food. If much of the pancreas has been damaged, loss of insulin production can cause diabetes. Chronic pancreatitis can contribute to the development of pancreatic cancer.[3] Associated Co-morbidities[edit | edit source]Acute Pancreatitis
Chronic Pancreatitis
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]Pancreatitis is generally diagnosed quickly, by examination of the abdomen, and confirmed using a series of medical tests including:
Treatment[edit | edit source]Treatment depends on the causes and severity of the condition. Treatment for acute pancreatitis may include:
Treatment for chronic pancreatitis may include:
Physical Therapy Management[edit | edit source]Acute Pancreatitis Patients with acute pancreatitis may seek physical therapy treatment with a chief complaint of back pain.
Chronic Pancreatitis
Differential Diagnosis[edit | edit source]Acute Pancreatitis[edit | edit source]Disorders presenting with symptoms similar to those of acute pancreatitis includeperforated gastric or duodenal ulcer, mesenteric infarction, medications, strangulating intestinal obstruction, dissecting aneurysm, biliary colic, appendicitis, diverticulitis, inferior wall myocardial infarction, tubo-ovarian abscess, renal failure, salivary gland disease, hematoma of the abdominal muscles or spleen, cholecystitis, vascular occlusions, pneumonia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercalcemia, infection, post-traumatic injury, pregnancy, and diabetic ketoacidosis.[4][6][7][8] Chronic Pancreatitis[edit | edit source]Patients who do not present with a typical history of alcohol abuse and frequent episodes of acute pancreatitis, pancreatic malignancy must be ruled out as the cause of pain. In addition, chronic pancreatitis may initially be confused with acute pancreatitis because the symptoms are similar, gallstones, and neoplastic or inflammatory masses.[4][6] References[edit | edit source]
What color is your stool when you have pancreatic cancer?As pancreatic cancer blocks the duct that releases bile into the intestine (common bile duct), the ingredients of bile build up in the blood. This turns the skin and the eyes yellow, a condition called jaundice. The same blockage causes dark urine, light colored stools, and itching.
What does stool look like with pancreatic cancer?If a tumor blocks the pancreatic duct, insufficient pancreatic juices in the intestines can lead to poor absorption and diarrhea, as the undigested food passes quickly through the digestive tract. If this happens, stool may float due to the higher fat content, appear bulky, greasy, and unusually pale.
What kind of stools do you have with pancreatic cancer?Many pancreatic cancer patients experience diarrhea, constipation or both. Diarrhea consisting of loose, watery, oily or foul-smelling stools can be caused by insufficient amounts of pancreatic enzymes in the intestines. This leads to malabsorption as undigested food passes quickly through the digestive tract.
What clinical signs are more typical for pancreatic head cancer?Signs and Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer. Jaundice and related symptoms. Jaundice is yellowing of the eyes and skin. ... . Belly or back pain. Pain in the abdomen (belly) or back is common in pancreatic cancer. ... . Weight loss and poor appetite. ... . Nausea and vomiting. ... . Gallbladder or liver enlargement. ... . Blood clots. ... . Diabetes.. |