Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns for Your Gut Health

Abdominal pain?

Hello doctor, for the past three and a half months, I have frequently experienced stomach rumbling, sometimes accompanied by pain.
Occasionally, I feel like there is gas moving around in my intestines.
Typically, my bowel movements occur about once a day without constipation, although I sometimes experience diarrhea.
My stool is usually of normal consistency, but I often notice food remnants in it, with colors occasionally being golden yellow or earthy yellow.
I frequently see deep brown (initially, I thought it was black, but later in sunlight, I realized it was earthy yellow mixed with dark-colored food remnants).
I'm unsure if this is related to my regular consumption of dark vegetables like water spinach and sweet potato leaves.
I have not observed any red in my stool, and there is no family history of colorectal cancer.
However, during college, I had a period of over a year where I frequently consumed fried foods.
Since experiencing these symptoms, I have become more cautious about my diet and have significantly improved my nutritional balance, avoiding fried foods.
A month and a half ago, I consulted a gastroenterologist who diagnosed me with rapid gastrointestinal motility using a stethoscope.
However, the doctor mentioned that my symptoms had not persisted long enough for a definitive diagnosis and initially classified it as gastroenteritis, leaving me uncertain about my condition.
Is it possible that this could be colorectal cancer?

he, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/07/02

Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery

Gastrointestinal symptoms can be quite variable, and it is not sufficient to diagnose colorectal cancer solely based on changes in bowel motility, constipation, or the characteristics of stool.
While changes in bowel habits can be one of the possible symptoms, it is less common for bowel motility to increase; rather, bowel obstruction due to a tumor is more frequently associated with issues like constipation.
Additionally, your age is not typically considered a high-risk age group for colorectal cancer.
However, if you still have concerns, it would be advisable to consult a colorectal surgeon or a gastroenterologist for a fecal occult blood test or to consider undergoing a colonoscopy for screening at your own expense.

Reply Date: 2016/07/02

More Info

Abdominal pain and gastrointestinal discomfort can arise from a variety of causes, and understanding these can help in managing your symptoms effectively. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a combination of symptoms including gurgling sounds in your abdomen, occasional pain, sensations of gas moving through your intestines, and variations in your stool appearance.
Firstly, the gurgling sounds, medically known as borborygmi, are often a normal part of digestion. They can be more pronounced when the intestines are more active, which can happen due to various factors such as diet, stress, or gastrointestinal conditions. The sensation of gas moving through the intestines can also be linked to dietary choices, particularly if you consume a lot of fiber-rich foods or certain vegetables that can produce gas.

Your bowel habits, with regular daily movements and occasional diarrhea, suggest that you may be experiencing some form of functional gastrointestinal disorder, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is characterized by symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits without any identifiable structural abnormalities. The fact that you have noticed food remnants in your stool, particularly after consuming a lot of dark leafy vegetables, may indicate that your body is not fully digesting these foods. This can happen if there is a rapid transit time through the intestines, which could explain the gurgling and gas sensations.

Regarding your concerns about the color of your stool, variations in stool color can be influenced by diet. For example, consuming large amounts of dark green vegetables can lead to darker stools. The presence of food remnants in your stool is not uncommon, especially if you have increased your vegetable intake recently. However, if you notice any significant changes in your stool color, especially if it becomes red or black, or if you experience any alarming symptoms like weight loss, persistent pain, or changes in appetite, it is crucial to seek medical attention.

You mentioned that a gastroenterologist diagnosed you with rapid intestinal motility and suggested a diagnosis of gastroenteritis. While gastroenteritis typically refers to inflammation of the stomach and intestines often due to infection, your symptoms may also align with functional disorders like IBS, especially if the symptoms have persisted without any clear infectious cause.

As for your concern about colon cancer, it is understandable to be anxious, especially given your symptoms. However, the absence of a family history of colorectal cancer, your young age, and the nature of your symptoms (which are more consistent with functional issues) make it less likely. Nonetheless, if you have persistent symptoms or if your condition worsens, further evaluation, including colonoscopy, may be warranted to rule out any serious conditions.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be concerning, they are more likely related to functional gastrointestinal issues rather than serious conditions like colon cancer. It is essential to maintain a balanced diet, manage stress, and consult with your healthcare provider for ongoing symptoms. Keeping a food diary can also help identify any specific triggers related to your diet. If symptoms persist or worsen, further diagnostic testing may be necessary to ensure your gut health is properly managed.

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