GI problems, test results

[rel1971]

I am a 36 year old female, no history of cancer ,  My father is 72 had polyps when he was younger but no cancer. For  7 months I have had a lot of mucus stools, alternating diarrhea/constipation/ normal stools chronic, diarrhea more.  I also have pains mostly on left side and left back, sometimes right side. I just had a baby in December had some bright red blood on my stools, chalked it up to hemorrhoids after a week or so the bleeding and stinging went away,   ER  did a cat scan without contrast, a abdominal xray, and blood work.  The blood work was normal.  The cat scan showed Subsegmental atelectasis. thickening of the distal esophagus  Liver, spleen, pancreas, adrenal glands, kidneys unremarkable Mild prominence of some of the small bowel loops in the pelvis noted. No evidence lymphadenopathy.  Few scattered diverticula .Thickening of portions of the colon is likely from incomplete distention.
Impression:Prominence of some of the distal small bowel likely from peristalsis,  The xray showed mild fecal retention is seen in colon, no signs of bowel obstruction, ileus, or perferation.  
1.  What is the subsegmental atelectasis?
2.  What is the thickening of the distal esophagus?  
2.  What is the mild prominence of the small bowel loops?  
4.  Why is there thickening of the colon?  Why does it say incomplete distention?  
5.  I have a fear of colon cancer, given my test results here and my symptoms, Does these tests give any reassurance for me?  No one wants to give me a colonoscopy  
6.  Does these tests at least rule out advanced colon cancer?  Would these tests have shown colon cancer or at least something to some extent to warrant further testing?
8.  does the symptoms point to colon cancer?  With the blood now gone.
9.  I feel like there is something just inside my rectum, is that a sign of colon cancer or possibly a internal hemmorroids?
10.  How common is colon cancer/rectal cancer in someone my age without the family history?  

[rel1971]

Is the prominence of the small bowel a inflammation?  Is it a concern?  Because the ct scan says probably from peristalsis.  Also is the incomplete distention of the colon a concern or are these normal findings?  Is a hiatal hernia dangerous?  And the inflammation in the esophagus, is that a concern?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

To answer your questions:
1) Atelectasis is collapse of part of the lung.

2) This refers to the end of the esophagus having thicker than normal walls.  Inflammation in this area can be a possible cause.

3) This means the small bowel is bigger than normal.

4) Thickening of the colon in this case is hypothesized to be due to the fact that the colon was not "inflated" at that point, so it appears to be folded upon itself.

5) A colonoscopy would be the only way to definitively exclude colon cancer.

6) Again, a colonoscopy is needed.

8) Can't say without a colonoscopy.

9) Either cause can lead to the findings.

10) It is uncommon, but still possible.  Discussing your symptoms and concerns with a GI physician would be the appropriate next step.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com