4. Changes in Stool
Observing significant changes in your bowel movements can be a direct indication of pancreatic dysfunction. A key sign is the development of steatorrhea, which describes stools that are pale or clay-colored, bulky, foul-smelling, and have a greasy or oily consistency that causes them to float in the toilet bowl. These characteristics are the result of poor fat digestion. The pancreas produces essential enzymes, particularly lipase, which are responsible for breaking down fats in the diet. If a tumor blocks the pancreatic duct, these enzymes cannot reach the small intestine to do their job. Consequently, undigested fat is passed out of the body in the stool. The pale, clay-like color is also significant, as it indicates a lack of bilirubin, which normally gives stool its brown color and is another consequence of a blocked bile duct.