White, Pellet-Like Stools

About the Symptom

Pebble poop, or pellet-like stool, may occur when very hard stool breaks apart into smaller pieces. This is usually a result of constipation. Pale stools are not typical. This results from a blockage in bile drainage (digestive fluid). The blockage can occur anywhere within the gallbladder, the liver, or the pancreas. Pale stools are usually associated with jaundice (yellowing of the skin).

When to See a Doctor

Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms

• White, pellet-like stools

Possible Causes

Generally, White, pellet-like stools can be related to:

• Physiological Defecation

  Normal stool can vary in color. Greenish stools can be due to supplements. However, persistently black and shiny stool may be a sign of internal bleeding, which needs medical attention. White, clay-like stools can also indicate a liver problem.

• Biliary Tract Cancer

  Cancer of the bile ducts is also known as "cholangiocarcinoma." It is a cancer that arises in the bile ducts inside the liver or in the ducts that connect the liver to the gall bladder and intestines. Risk factors include genetic conditions, a condition called primary sclerosing cholangitis, chronic liver disease, infection with liver worms (flukes), smoking, diabetes, and age >50. Patients often come to their physicians with abdominal pain, jaundice (yellow skin and eyeballs), itchiness, and weight loss.

Doctor's Diagnostic Questions

Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:

• Do you have pale, pebble-like stools?
• Have you noticed any changes in your stool color?
• Has your baby's stool lightened in color since they turned one month old?
• Are your stools white or clay-colored?
• Are your stools green?

Find Similar Symptoms

References

• Osmosis

  https://www.osmosis.org/answers/pebble-poop

• Mount Sinai

  https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/symptoms/stools-pale-or-clay-colored#:~:text=Stools%20that%20are%20pale%2C%20clay,intestine%20all%20nutrient%20absorption%20occurs.