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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Do these symptoms sound like cancer
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/ Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Do these symptoms sound like cancer
by mkchase1123, Oct 11, 2004 12:00AM
I am a 29 year old female that has had stomach/intestinal problems since the age 19. I have been diagnosed by several dr.s with IBS, although I have never had any diagnosic tests (i.e. lower GI, colonoscopy). I have about every few weeks what I refer to as an episode, I have intense intetinal cramping followd by diahhreha. These are usually triggered by eating certain high fat foos, sucha s pizza or ice cream or Mc Donalds. It comes on quicly and goes quickly. Other times, especially if I do not eat as scheduled, I get soem bad stomach aches. I also sometimes (once a month ore every other month) have mucous from the rectum, usually followed by a BM. On Saturday I had an episode, triggerd by eating Pizza, in which a had diarrhea that had some bright red blood on the surface. I then had the urge to use the bathroom, but only a small amount of bright red blood came out (a few dime size to quarter size droplets), that looked like they were mucous based. This happened about 5 times. It is now Monday, and I have had another BM. The stool is loose and I can see blood contained in it. I went to the ER and the ER Dr. did not seem overly concerned. He did do blood work which came out fine (I am not anemic). I am seeing the GI Dr. tomorrow but very scared. I have no history of Colon cancer in my family. I have no weight loss ( I am 5' 8" and 136). Can you please let me know if this sounds like colon cancer symptoms or what this likely is or is not.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Oct 11, 2004 12:00AM
, Oct 11, 2004 12:00AM
Colon cancer would be less likely in someone your age. Things to consider, in addition to irritable bowel disease, would be inflammatory bowel disease (i.e. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), lactose intolerance or some other kind of malabsorption syndrome (i.e. celiac disease or fat malabsorption).
Other things that can cause rectal bleed would be hemorrhoids or diverticulosis.
The best test to evaluate this would be a colonoscopy - which incidentally would also evaluate for the possibility of colon cancer.
I would discuss this option with your GI referral.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
Other things that can cause rectal bleed would be hemorrhoids or diverticulosis.
The best test to evaluate this would be a colonoscopy - which incidentally would also evaluate for the possibility of colon cancer.
I would discuss this option with your GI referral.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
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I too had some of your simular symptoms and when I started seeing blood and tissue was beginning to get quite scared.
I had previously been to my dr several times on this issue and was told could be IBS, Crohns, or a # of things.
Evenually a scopeoscopy was ordered, through a Gastro specialist.
When I awoke, I was told I had 1 polup. 2-3 cm they was sending it off for a biopsy.
When I went back in for the results, the Gastro told me I was a very rare case. At the age of 37, the 1 polup that was removed was cancerous.
I don't mean to scare you in anyway, however I too didn't have any history of colon cancer in my family, and again had alot of the same symptoms.
My advice is to request it yourself, get a colonoscopy. That is the only thing that would tell for sure whats going on.
Good luck to you and God Bless.
Regards