COLON CANCER

[moldawa]

Hi,

I am a 33 yr old male, good health.
Yesterday, noticed strands of mid colored red blood on my stool. It seemed a bit mucousy as well.
Today, I checked and found the same thing. My stools are not narrow, I have no pain, no history of cancer of any type.

I have noticed in the past that my stools have a white/cream colored mucous stands on them, without blood. Because my dr has told me I had IBS in the past, I just thought it was that.

I have had a colonoscopy less than 2 yrs ago, and a barium swallow around a year ago, both negative...just reflux.

I also have been told I have gastritis, as everytime I drink beer, my stomach hurts for a few hours the next day. My Dr has also tested my blood count in the last month which was ok, and my liver function (enzymes) were average.

The blood is not excessive, not even visible on the paper. Just stands on the exterior of the stool. Fairly bright red, but not totally. I already use a fiber supplement, so it is hard to describe how the stool would look without it, but when I dont take the fiber, it is quite difficult to pass the stool, so I have to work pretty hard to pass it.

I frequently take a multivitamin, aloe, antacids and natural supplements.

I have had hemmeroids in the past, but I dont feel any pain or itching in the rectum.

I am scared, but I guess I should be somewhat confident since I have had the colonoscopy and the barium test in recent past.

Can you help me out while I wait for an apointment? It will be months before I can get in to a specialist here.

Thanks.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Hemorrhoids are the most likely possibility.  A negative colonoscopy 2 years ago would make cancer extremely unlikely.  It would also make other causes of bleeding, such as inflammatory bowel disease or polyps, less likely as well.  

Obtaining an anoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy can be considered to re-evaluate for hemorrhoids.  Constipation can also exacerbate any hemorrhoid activity.

These options can be discussed 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.
kevinmd_

[Thuney]

Both blood and mucous are signs your body is fighting something, so you need to see a doctor.  In researching your question, I found these are also symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)--but get it checked out--don't let it go.

Good luck!

[heid1bug]

I REALLY DOUBT IT'S COLON CANCER,BUT IF YOUR THAT WORRIED YOU NEED TO GET CHECKED.MY DAD DIED OF COLON CANCER,AND I REMEMBER HE ALWAYS HAD BACK PAIN FROM IT.THE DOCTOR JUST KEPT GIVING HIM PAIN PILLS.HE FINALLY WENT TO THE HOSPITAL AND THEY TOLD HIM IF HE WOULD HAVE COME SOONER THEY COULD HAVE HELPED HIM.I REALLY DON'T THINK IT'S CANCER YOU HAVE.IT'S PROBALLY A TEAR AND WHEN YOU STRAIN THE BLOOD COMES OUT ON YOUR STOOL.