Symptom 2: Digestive Issues
Digestive disturbances are another hallmark of PanNETs. The pancreas plays a vital role in digestion, producing enzymes that aid in breaking down food. A tumor can disrupt this delicate balance, leading to a slew of digestive complaints. Frequent bouts of diarrhea, often watery and persistent, can be an initial sign. This might be interspersed with periods of constipation, leading to a tumultuous digestive pattern.
Bloating is another frequent complaint. As the tumor disrupts normal digestion, undigested food can ferment in the gut, producing gas. This can lead to an uncomfortable, distended feeling post meals, sometimes accompanied by burping or flatulence. Some individuals might also notice a shift in their appetite, either a marked increase or a decline. These changes can be subtle initially but tend to intensify as the tumor grows.
Changes in bowel habits can also be a sign. For instance, stools might appear greasier or float more often, pointing towards malabsorption of fats. There might also be an unexplained urgency to defecate, especially post meals. Additionally, some individuals might notice undigested food particles in their stools, suggesting rapid transit or incomplete digestion. (2)
