Symptoms: Could It Be Colon Cancer, Anal Cancer, or IBS?

Is it possible to have colorectal cancer, anal cancer, and irritable bowel syndrome?

The stool is sometimes of normal color and consistency, but there has been a recent occurrence of blood.
The stools are often soft and formed in several segments, with a light brown color and a sticky texture.
It requires multiple wipes to feel clean after a bowel movement.
Blood is occasionally present, about 2 out of 10 times, and sometimes there is painful blood, which feels like a scratch near the anus, although the stool is soft.
At times, there is blood without pain, and it is always bright red.
Occasionally, there are symptoms of anemia, such as dizziness, unsteadiness, and fatigue, with a desire to sleep.
After using the restroom, there is a noticeable protrusion around the anal area, but it resolves after a while.
There have been instances of pencil-shaped stools, long and thin, but only twice; most of the time, the stools are about the width of a thumb.
For the past couple of months, there have been episodes of abdominal pain or discomfort, primarily located to the left of the navel, with some discomfort also in the upper left and right areas of the abdomen, but generally, the discomfort is on the left side of the navel.
Could this indicate an issue with the sigmoid colon or descending colon? Although the discomfort to the left of the navel is not painful, there is a sensation of a lump that comes and goes.
Sometimes, pressing on it does not elicit discomfort, but it occasionally flares up.
There is also abdominal pain before passing gas, resembling diarrhea, and it has become more difficult to pass gas than before.
The legs need to be spread wider.
The diet remains normal with three meals a day, and there has been no weight loss; in fact, there has been weight gain.
There is a feeling of urgency with incomplete evacuation.
I am unsure if this is just a perception.
Bowel movements occur at most every four days, with an average of every two days.
Appetite is considered normal.
A stool test for occult blood was performed, and all values were normal; the doctor also indicated that everything appears fine at this time.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/08/23

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello, based on what has been described, it is likely that you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) combined with a higher chance of internal hemorrhoidal bleeding.
Further observation is recommended.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Chen Shidian

Reply Date: 2018/08/23

More Info

Based on the symptoms you've described, it is understandable to be concerned about the possibility of colon cancer, anal cancer, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, it's important to note that many of the symptoms associated with these conditions can overlap, and not all symptoms indicate a serious underlying issue.

Symptoms Overview
1. Blood in Stool: The presence of blood, especially if it is bright red, can be alarming. Blood can originate from various sources in the gastrointestinal tract, including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or more serious conditions like colorectal cancer. The fact that you have experienced blood intermittently, along with soft stools, suggests that it could be related to hemorrhoids or anal fissures, particularly if you are experiencing pain during bowel movements.

2. Changes in Bowel Habits: The alternating patterns of soft stools and occasional constipation, along with the sensation of incomplete evacuation (urgency), are common symptoms of IBS. IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, which can include diarrhea, constipation, or both.

3. Abdominal Pain and Discomfort: The localized discomfort you feel around your navel and the left side of your abdomen could be related to various factors, including IBS, gas, or even muscular tension. The intermittent nature of the discomfort, along with the absence of severe pain, might suggest a functional issue rather than a structural one.

4. Fatigue and Dizziness: Symptoms such as fatigue and dizziness can be associated with anemia, which may arise from chronic blood loss (such as from hemorrhoids or fissures) or other gastrointestinal issues. It is crucial to monitor these symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen.

5. Physical Findings: The sensation of a protruding mass or "something there" in the anal area could indicate hemorrhoids or possibly a prolapse. These conditions can cause discomfort and may contribute to the sensation of urgency.

Recommendations
1. Dietary Adjustments: Increasing fiber intake through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help regulate bowel movements and may alleviate some of your symptoms. Staying well-hydrated is also essential.

2. Medical Evaluation: Given your symptoms, especially the presence of blood in your stool and the sensation of a mass, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist. They may recommend a colonoscopy to rule out any serious conditions, including colorectal cancer, especially considering your family history of polyps.

3. Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including the frequency of bowel movements, the consistency of stools, any pain experienced, and the occurrence of blood. This information can be invaluable for your healthcare provider.

4. Stress Management: Since stress can exacerbate IBS symptoms, consider incorporating stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or regular physical activity into your routine.

5. Follow-Up: If your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you experience significant changes in your health, such as weight loss or severe fatigue, seek medical attention promptly.

Conclusion
While your symptoms could potentially indicate a serious condition, they are also consistent with more benign issues such as hemorrhoids or IBS. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. Remember, early detection and intervention are key in managing any gastrointestinal issues effectively.

Similar Q&A

Could Your Recent Digestive Issues Indicate Colon Cancer?

I have been experiencing diarrhea recently. After eating, I suddenly get stomach pain and have to rush to the bathroom. When I'm not having diarrhea, my stools are very thin. This has been going on for two to three weeks, and I'm worried it might be cancer. I had a colo...

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
Although the probability of developing colorectal cancer at the age of 32 is not zero, it is generally considered to be low. Based on your description, it seems more like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is recommended to start with a light diet and maintain a good lifestyle. S...

Understanding Symptoms: Could It Be IBS or Colorectal Cancer?

I have recently been experiencing bloating and a lack of appetite, and I feel nauseous after eating. Previously, I had blood in my stool, and now my stools have become thinner, with occasional diarrhea. I feel anemic and sometimes have difficulty passing stool. In the mornings, m...

Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Hello: 1. The likelihood of developing colorectal cancer at the age of 13 is very low. 2. Irritable bowel syndrome may be more likely. 3. You should consult a colorectal surgeon or a gastroenterologist. 4. After treatment for colorectal cancer, some patients may experience recurr...

Understanding Persistent Diarrhea: Is It IBS or Colon Cancer?

Hello doctor, in the past few weeks, my stools have mostly been loose rather than formed, and I tend to have a bowel movement shortly after eating. I have a spot in my lower left abdomen (near the pubic bone) that sometimes suddenly feels very sore, with a deep aching sensation, ...

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: You may be experiencing symptoms of urgency and a feeling of incomplete evacuation, possibly due to irritant foods or foods with high water content. You can try adjusting your diet on your own, and if there is no improvement, you may consult a gastroenterologist for evalua...

Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Anxiety, Bowel Changes, and Symptoms

Hello Doctor, about two weeks ago, I started experiencing diarrhea every morning for six consecutive days. On some days, I also had to go after meals, but there were no accompanying symptoms like fever or vomiting. After researching online, I became very anxious about the symptom...

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
The likelihood of developing colorectal cancer at the age of 18 can be considered negligible. Based on your description, it seems more like hemorrhoidal bleeding. It is recommended to start with a light diet and maintain a good lifestyle. Spicy, irritating, and greasy foods shoul...