Identifying Tumors and Digestive Issues: What You Need to Know

Discovered a tumor while taking a shower?

First question: I noticed a painful lump on my lower left abdomen while applying body wash during a shower.
Could this be a tumor? I have a lipoma on my neck that was confirmed to be benign.
Second question: After eating too much meat, seafood, and bread during the Mid-Autumn Festival barbecue, I suddenly had diarrhea in the middle of the night.
My stools have been thin and I feel like I haven't fully evacuated.
For the past two months, my stools have been unformed, sometimes watery, and there is mucus when I wipe.
My stools also have bubbles.
The doctor said it is irritable bowel syndrome and that my gastrointestinal system is sensitive.
Could this be colon cancer?
Third question: One morning, I had congee with vegetables, lunch was rice with meat and many vegetables, and in the afternoon, I had sweets.
In the evening, I had rice with vegetables.
Around 3 to 4 AM, my stomach was making noises and I felt bloated.
I woke up and kept passing gas, and after passing gas, I had diarrhea with watery stools and mucus.
The stools were yellow.
Now, whenever I eat sweets, my stomach makes noises at night and I pass gas.
What could be wrong with me?

A Qun, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/11/22

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery

1.
A diagnosis cannot be made without a physical examination; however, at this age, such conditions are mostly benign skin lesions.
2.
The likelihood of developing colorectal cancer at the age of 24, while not zero, is generally very low.
Based on your description, it seems more indicative of irritable bowel syndrome.
It is recommended to maintain a light diet and good lifestyle habits, avoiding spicy, irritating, and greasy foods.
If symptoms persist without improvement, you may consult a physician for medication.
If there is still no improvement or if you are very concerned, a colonoscopy can be arranged.

Reply Date: 2016/11/22

More Info

When it comes to identifying tumors and digestive issues, it's important to approach the situation with a clear understanding of the symptoms and their potential implications. Let's break down your concerns into three main questions and address them one by one.

Question 1: Painful Lump in the Abdomen
You mentioned discovering a painful lump in your lower abdomen while applying body wash. While it’s understandable to be concerned about the possibility of a tumor, not all lumps are cancerous. The fact that you have a history of a benign lipoma in your neck is reassuring, as it suggests that you may be prone to benign growths. However, the painful nature of the lump could indicate inflammation or another benign condition, such as a cyst or an abscess. It’s crucial to have this lump evaluated by a healthcare professional who can perform a physical examination and possibly imaging studies (like an ultrasound or CT scan) to determine its nature. Painful lumps should not be ignored, and timely evaluation is essential.

Question 2: Digestive Issues After Eating
You reported experiencing diarrhea, changes in stool consistency, and mucus in your stool after consuming a heavy meal. These symptoms could be indicative of several gastrointestinal issues, including Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which your doctor has already suggested. IBS is characterized by a combination of abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, which can include diarrhea, constipation, or both. The presence of mucus and the change in stool consistency can be common in IBS. While these symptoms can be distressing, they do not necessarily indicate colorectal cancer, especially in the absence of other alarming symptoms such as significant weight loss, blood in the stool, or persistent abdominal pain. However, if your symptoms persist or worsen, further evaluation, including a colonoscopy, may be warranted to rule out any serious conditions.

Question 3: Abdominal Discomfort and Gas
Your description of experiencing abdominal discomfort, bloating, and gas, particularly after consuming sweet foods, suggests that you may have a sensitivity to certain foods. This could be related to dietary choices, such as high sugar intake or certain food intolerances. The fact that you experience these symptoms consistently after eating specific foods indicates that your digestive system may be reacting negatively to them. Keeping a food diary can help identify triggers. Additionally, conditions like lactose intolerance or fructose malabsorption could be contributing factors. It’s advisable to consult with a gastroenterologist who can provide a more thorough evaluation and possibly recommend dietary modifications or tests to identify any underlying issues.

Conclusion
In summary, while your symptoms are concerning, they do not automatically indicate the presence of cancer. It’s essential to seek medical advice for a thorough evaluation of the painful lump in your abdomen and to discuss your digestive symptoms in detail. Early intervention and proper diagnosis are key to managing any potential health issues effectively. Maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider and advocating for your health will help ensure that you receive the appropriate care and support.

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