Cancer or something else?

I'm 30years old, overweight and was diagnosed with IBS about 5 years ago.  I had a bad case of diareea about 10 days ago.  Noticed some blood in the stool.  Went to the doctor the next day.  They did blood work and a urine sample.  Everything looked fine in both.  Blood cell count was all normal and the urine test was normal also.  Went back 3 days later because I wasn't getting any better.  They ordered a stool sample.  The test came back positive for occult blood, Immuno Positive A, no white blood cells in feces, negetive for giardia and cryptosporidium.  The doctor did say that the sample grow out some E, Coli.  Since then my diarrea (diarrhea) hase stoped but my stools are not completly normal.  I don't see any blood but there is a white mucus in my stool, and they have a bit of a orange color to them.  I have had a lack of appitite, but I think that might be because I'm so scared of having cancer.  I'm really worried that i have colon cancer.  The reason being with my IBS my stools are always different.  I should add I'm not experincing any pain or cramping.  If there was something wrong would my blood work have showed it?  

[Kevin Pho, MD]

If there is concern about colon cancer, a colonoscopy needs to be considered.  That is the best test we have to exclude the possibility.

If the diarrhea continues, then I would consider the colonoscopy anyways, as this can evaluate for colitis or other forms of inflammation in the colon.  

I agree with sending the stool off for culture and analysis.  If bacterial colitis is present, antibiotics can be considered.  Otherwise, the stool should be sent for further malabsorption studies.

I would also consider blood tests to exclude celiac disease.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

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 Pho, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com
www.twitter.com/kevinmd