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Could this be Colon Cancer. I have symptoms.

Hello everyone,

My symptoms (may have) started about a year ago. At one point I got very constipated and passed a larger stool. After that, I developed what I though was a fissure or hemorrhoid. Sometimes after I went to the bathroom I would notice a sharp pain and a little blood streaking my stool or on the TP. This went on for a little while, but the blood amount was always consistent. This all stopped in the last few months.

Then, about 3 weeks ago I started noticing I had stools that were looser than normal. I was still going once a day, they were just loose. This persisted for a few weeks so I went to the doctor. She performed and rectal exam with a anoscopy and was as a FOBT. The anoscopy was all clear and the FOBT was negative. She had me try a bland diet and sent me on my way.

Over the next few weeks the diet didn't help much. I eased back in to my normal diet and things got a little better. I was having some stomach cramping and gas though. On three random occasions I would go to the bathroom in the morning. When I went I felt like I didn't pass all my stool. The an hour later and had to go again and finally felt like I got it all out.

The, the worst symptom came yesterday. When I went to the bathroom there was a lot of bright red blood streaking my stool and on the TP. I noticed throughout the day I would feel the need to clean myself and when I would there would be blood on the tissue - like I was still bleeding some. I panicked and went to the doctor. She did the FOBT which was obviously positive this time. She also looked in there with an anoscopy again. She said she saw a small fissure but nothing t make me bleed that much.

The scary part is she said she didn't see any internal hemorrhoids. She said she couldn't get the scope up as far as she'd liked so there could be one a little higher up. But I don't know. Everything I've read says an Anoscopy should be able to see the hemorrhoids

Right now I'm in a panic. I have an appt. with a gastroenterologists on Tuesday.

She said she really doesn't think it cancer. But how? I have EVERY symptom!

I'm only 23 years old and have no family history. I know I'm young but I've googled and found a lot of young people with it.

What could this be??
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Avatar universal
I was in your situation few months back, googling a lot on colon cancer and convinced it to be there. But with consultation with GI and tests and examinations turned out to be a poly which was removed two days back.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
The rectal bleeding and anal burning you described is highly suggestive of an acute anal fissure.  The amount of bleeding is actually more impressive than the actual volume.  The complex of alternating diarrhea and constipation associated with abdominal cramps is potentially compatible with irritable bowel syndrome.  Generally a bulk fiber laxative such as .  Metamucil is prescribed and topical Nifedipine applied to the anal area may be helpful.  Statistically, the risks of having colon or rectal cancer in someone as young as you is very low but probably should be investigated by colonoscopy.  FOBT does not have any diagnostic value in your case.  Ask for a referral for a colonoscopy.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
You are very young for cancer and your symptoms sound more like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).  This causes alternating diarrhea with constipation, stomach pain and the feeling that you need to "go" but can't. With the straining you have done, it's hard to believe you don't have hemorrhoids, I wouldn't rule this out just yet. It's always best to see a Gastroenterologist when you have any concerns about intestinal problems.  It also sounds like a fissue which could have occurred when you had the painful BM and your GP just can't see it. The fact that you are young and have no family history of colon cancer says a lot in your favor, I truly think you don't need to worry about cancer.  I have an heridiatry colon cancer in my family, and even with this you don't see colon cancer this young.  I wouldn't mislead you, so try to relax knowing the gastro doc will be able to give you definite answers, and not one involving cancer.  I will be thinking of you and wish you all the best!
Helpful - 0
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