Should I get a colonoscopy?

[donkey]

I am 25 years old and had bright red blood with my stools for two weeks. It seemed like about 5 milliliters of blood with each stool and don't think it was mixed with the stool. Two of my grandparents have had colon cancer but I was told it is very unlikely for me to have that at my age. I saw two gastroenterologists, one recommended a colonoscopy and the other said i had an anal fissure and did not need further tests. The information I have says anal fissures typically cause pain and I never have pain and that they only bleed a small amount (spotting on the toilet paper) but I have bled much more than that. The doctor who diagnosed the fissure did not take a very thorough history but did seem to know immediately what the problem is. I just want to be sure that my symptoms can be caused by a fissure and that there is nothing more serious going on. Thansk for your help.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

You are correct that anal fissures are typically painful.  Other causes would be hemorrhoids, diverticulosis as well as inflammatory bowel disease.  Colon cancer is less likely at your age, but still possible given your family history.

I would recommend some sort of endoscopy at this point.  This can be either a flexible sigmoidoscopy or a full colonoscopy.  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.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[vidya]

Hi

I am Vidya Bhilare and live in India. From childhood I had a tendency of constipation. During my college I had pimples on my back, face, arms. I used to take pills (Dalcolax - dont know the correct spelling)or Ayurvedic medicine called Kamyachurna to pass stools regularly.

I am married for last 3 years and I have done abortion for 3 times. The first 2 were done by the doctor and the 3rd was due to my mistake. Here, in India we get a powder called "Kamyachurna " which is Ayurvedic and helps to pass stools.  Due to this powder I aborted my 3rd pregnancy.

Then for last 1 yr I am not getting preganant. I have recently gone through Endoscopy and found that I have Tubercolosis (TB ) at initial stage. I am going through the treatment which will last for another 6 months.

But My PROBLEM is I had constipation since childhood and suddenly after 3rd mishap of abortion, after some time I no longer have constipation problem.

Do you think there must be some cause to this? Why such thing has happened?
Am i carrying some other disease??

Please answer.