Follow up question

Thank you for answering my question from yesterday.  I had my upper GI today which was normal.  I guess my main concern is colon cancer.  I saw my Dr. yesterday and he still thinks I am OK but I still want to ask questions and educate myself.

My main complaint is that my bowels growl and grumble constantly.  I read somewhere that this could mean they are working to bypass an obstruction.  I also had a few episodes of narrow stool.  So my question is, if I had colon cancer, could these syptoms (symptoms) develop that fast?  My stools were completely normal size two weeks ago, and my stomach was never growling or anything.

I have had no visible blood, but I have stool cards that I will use soon.  Like I said, I am a 30 yr old male with healthy parents and no siblings.  Dr. says he thinks IBS maybe and I am trying Zantac to calm my stomach.  Nothing has worked yet.  Maybe my anxiety makes it worse.  I am just trying to get my worrying under control.

Thank you again for your time.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Colon cancer at age 30 would be unlikely.  That said, any persistant change in the caliber of the stool would warrant futher investigation.

The best test to evaluate for colon cancer would be a colonoscopy.  You can also consider a flexible sigmoidoscopy as well.  

Regarding intestinal obstruction, plain films of the abdomen can be done to evaluate this.  If there continues to be suspicion, a CT scan would be the approprate test for more detail.

You may want to discuss these options with your personal physician.

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.
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