Is Frequent Diarrhea a Sign of Cancer?
Is Frequent Diarrhea A Sign Of Cancer?
Introduction
Awareness of the symptoms of cancer helps patients seek timely interventions. Here is a good look at some of the common symptoms of cancer, including answers to the question – is frequent diarrhea a sign of cancer? This happens to be a very frequently asked question, and will help dispel any misconceived notions.
Common Symptoms Of Cancer
The symptoms commonly linked to cancer depend on the nature and location of the cancer. However, general signs and symptoms include the following. This will also help get better clarity on the question – is frequent diarrhea a sign of cancer? It is important to note that the following symptoms are also experienced in conditions that are unrelated to cancer. It is therefore necessary to seek medical assistance to confirm or rule out the condition and not jump to conclusions.
- Sudden weight loss – Shedding of weight can be an early sign, especially if the weight loss is high.
- Overall tiredness – Feeling persistently tired, without relief from rest.
- Pain – Experiencing pain in specific locations of the body without any apparent reason is also symptom.
- Formation of lumps – When lumps form in the breast, testicles, this could also be a sign.
- Changes to skin – Experiencing changes to the skin, such as moles could also be a sign. This is particularly important to note when the moles change shape, size, or color.
- Blood in stools, urine – Observing blood in urine or stools, is also a possible symptom.
- Cough – When cough is persistent and blood is observed with cough, it could be a symptom.
- Bowel changes – Sudden changes in bowel movements causing diarrhea, constipation.
- Difficulty swallowing – When a person has continuous problems during swallowing it needs to be checked.
- Fever – When it is persistent, and without any apparent reason, it could be a cause.
- Sweating in the nights – A person with Intense sweating while asleep needs to undergo diagnosis.
When Should A Cancer Patient Be Worried Of Diarrhea?
A person diagnosed with cancer needs to take care when diarrhea is severe or persistent. Let us take a good look at the situations that need care, and also answer the question – is frequent diarrhea a sign of cancer?
- When diarrhea is frequent, severe, more than 5-6 times a day.
- Duration more than one or two days, despite treatments.
- Indicates dehydration, such as thirst, dry mouth, change in urine color, weakness.
- Accompanied by fever.
- Severe pain in the abdomen.
- Blood in stool.
What Are The Different Options For Cancer Treatment?
Options for treating cancer depend on the type, location, present stage, and overall health of the patient. An understanding of the available options for treatment helps, especially after clarifications on the question – is frequent diarrhea a sign of cancer?
- Surgery – Minimally invasive procedures or complex surgeries to remove the tumor and prevent spread. Used in early-stage cancers and when the tumor is localized.
- Radiation therapy – Kill or damage cancer cells through radiation from outside the body, or placing radioactive material near the tumor.
- Chemotherapy – Kill cancer cells and stop their growth through oral, intravenous medications.
- Immunotherapy – Supports the immune system to attack cancer cells through checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapy, and monoclonal antibodies.
- Hormone therapy – Reduce hormones that assist spread of cancer, through drugs or surgical procedures.
- Stem cell transplant – Restore healthy stem cells in patients with damaged bone marrow, through own stem cells or donor stem cells.
What Should Be The First Step Of A Cancer Patient With Frequent Diarrhea?
Cancer patients experiencing frequent diarrhea, need to take measures to manage the symptoms and prevent complications. Following the above information answering the question – is frequent diarrhea a sign of cancer? here is information on immediate steps.
- Get in touch with treating specialists for guidance.
- Ensure proper hydration, by consuming clear fluids. This could include water, electrolytes, or broths, and should not include caffeinated drinks or sugary beverages.
- Choose right diet by stick to bland, easy-to-digest foods. This could include bananas, rice and avoid fatty, spicy, or dairy-rich foods.
- Sufficient rest is necessary to help the body recover and manage stress.
- Looking for other symptoms is very important. This includes indications such as fever, blood in stool, pain in abdomen.
- Avoid self-medications and OTC drugs if unsure of results and if not recommended.
Does Cancer Cause Diarrhea?
Yes, it is true that cancer can cause diarrhea, however, in most cases, diarrhea is the result of cancer treatments or other complications. With the above information on the question – is frequent diarrhea a sign of cancer? here is a look at different factors that cause diarrhea in cancer patients:
- Types of cancer that affect specific system
Gastrointestinal cancers – such as colorectal cancer, stomach cancer, and pancreatic cancer affect the digestive system and could cause diarrhea.
Tumors – that block or exert some kind of pressure on the intestines can cause diarrhea. This is because food and fluids may move through the digestive tract faster than required.
- Cancer treatments – such as chemotherapy drugs damage the lining of the intestines. These rugs also impact gut bacteria, causing diarrhea. Similarly, radiation therapy to the abdomen, pelvis, or lower spine affect intestines causing diarrhea.
- Side effects – of surgeries on the stomach, intestines, or digestive system can cause diarrhea.
- Medications – used to support treatment or manage symptoms can cause diarrhea. For instance, painkillers, antibiotics, affect the digestive system
- Conditions related to cancer – such as tumors and nutrient absorption are also known to cause diarrhea. For instance, specific types of cancer, like carcinoid tumors and pancreatic tumors, are known to secrete hormones. This, in turn may cause diarrhea. Similarly, poor nutrient absorption in the digestive tract, can also cause diarrhea.
- Infections – may be the outcome of a weakened immune system, arising from cancer and treatments. The suppressed immune system may make the patient prone to infections and this could result in possible diarrhea.
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Shetty B s a cardiologist in Chennai, with extensive experience in the field. He completed his MBBS from Madurai Kamaraj University, followed by an MD in General Medicine and a DM in Cardiology from The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University (TNMGRMU).