The Rarity of Adolescent Colon Cancer

[basketcase7]

About 4 months ago I had to go to the hospital for dehydration because I was vomiting so much from some stomach bug. During the CT scan they inadvertently found a polyp on my colon that they said was benign, but we would want to make an appointment with a gastroenterologist for preventative measures. We didn't, and now I've been feeling awful for  almost 2 weeks. My mother isn't worried because my stepfather had similar symptoms but his only lasted a few days! Mine got slightly better after 3 days but possibly only because I stopped eating anything solid because it was irritating my stomach. I have awful pain in my upper abdomen going down my left side and ending in lesser pain in my lower abdomen that is worse after meals of any kind but especially diary (I'm lactose intolerant since that stomach bug but I take lactaid). I've had diarrhea every day since my symptoms began, accompanied by abnormally frequent and thinner bowel movements as the diarrhea decreased in severity. I'm constantly thirsty even though I'm constantly drinking. Once last week there was blood with my diarrhea on the paper and in the bowl. That day I went to Urgent Care because my stomach hurt so much and the blood worried me but all they could do was give me an IV, do some blood tests, and tell me to schedule a colonoscopy. It's hard to find pediatric gastroenterologists. They said it was probably the bug going around but I'm worried colon cancer could be the cause. No one else thinks so because I'm only 17 and the polyp was only discovered 4 months ago. All my life I've had trouble with constipation but we attributed it to my poor childhood diet of mac and cheese and fluffernutters. I have no known family history of colon cancer. What's the likelihood the polyp turned cancerous in 4 months?

[codyscrusaders]

First, let me start by saying nothing I'm about to tell you is meant to scare you in any way.  It's just to inform you.  I'm going to tell you about my nephew's experience.  At 17, he started having stomach pain.  His mother thought there was nothing wrong so they let it go for a while.  Then he vomited and had blood in his stool.  She took him to the hospital.  The ER found he presented with something called intussesception (usually found in children under 5). He had an exploratory.  The doctor went in and found a tumor.  After more tests and further surgery, it was determined to be stage III colon cancer.  (yes, at 17).  He is the youngest patient of his oncologist.  He had six months of chemotherapy.  He had two years of clean CT scans and colonoscopies.  He's now 20, his cancer has reoccurred.  One piece of advice for you if you find out you have cancer.  You're young.  You know how to Google I'm sure.  Google Paul Sugarbaker.  He's in Washington, D.C.  He created a procedure in the 1970s.  It's a cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC.  You want someone who's done hundreds of this procedure.  He's done over 1,000.  It's a lot to understand, but I wish I had his information two years ago when my nephew was diagnosed because if I had I don't think I'd be writing to you telling you his story of reoccurrence.   I wish you luck.  It's more likely that it is something minor than major, but it's also not something to wait on.  Don't know where you're located, but do research, be your own advocate and don't be afraid to ask any questions.  If you don't like the answers you're getting, go for a second opinion or third opinion.  Good luck.  

[Jibs1]

Not sure where in NY you reside (profile) but all the major hospitals in NYC have Pedi GI's, as well as NJ.  Hoping you get good results really soon!  Please stop back and keep us posted.

J

[mammo]

You are very young to have a polyp...even just one.  You need to find a GI doctor to do your scope...you're close enough to being an adult to see any GI doctor. They will remove that polyp during your scope, and 4 months is not a long time when it comes to a polyp in someone as young as you are.  I have never heard of anyone having colon cancer so young, but do not allow that polyp to remain in you.  Get a colonoscopy so they can check things out and most of all put your mind at ease.  At 17 anything they find will be in a very early stage and by acting now you may be saving yourself from problems down the road. Please keep us posted on how you're doing.