Lower Abdominal Pain and Red Spot Observed During Colonoscopy

Lower abdominal pain, colonoscopy revealed red spots?

Hello doctor, I am a male and have been experiencing lower abdominal pain for a long time, about two months now.
The pain is not severe, more of a dull ache, but it occurs almost every day.
Yesterday, I had a colonoscopy, and the doctor said everything was fine.
However, during the procedure, I noticed a red spot in one area of my intestine, about 1 cm in size and triangular in shape.
It was not just a slight redness from inflammation; it was a clearly visible red spot.
The doctor did not mention it, and I am worried that he might have missed it.
I am still experiencing lower abdominal pain.
I would like to know if that red spot is a normal finding or if it could be bleeding caused by taking laxatives too aggressively.
If that is the case, and I still have lower abdominal pain, which specialist should I see? Thank you for your help.

Wayne, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/08/17

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Please discuss directly with the attending physician.

Reply Date: 2019/08/17

More Info

It sounds like you're experiencing a concerning situation with your lower abdominal pain and the observation of a red spot during your recent colonoscopy. Let's break down your concerns and provide some insights based on medical knowledge.

Firstly, it's important to understand that lower abdominal pain can have various causes, ranging from benign to more serious conditions. Given that you've had this pain for about two months and it is described as a dull, persistent ache, it could be related to several factors. Common causes of chronic lower abdominal pain include gastrointestinal issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, or even conditions like diverticulitis, especially if you have a history of diverticular disease.
The red spot you observed during the colonoscopy raises some questions. While it's understandable to be concerned, it's crucial to note that not all findings during a colonoscopy indicate a serious problem. The appearance of a red spot could be due to several reasons, including:
1. Vascular Lesions: Sometimes, small blood vessels in the colon can become engorged or appear as red spots. These are often benign and may not require any treatment.

2. Mucosal Changes: The colon's lining can show various changes due to irritation, inflammation, or even minor trauma from the preparation for the colonoscopy (like the use of laxatives).
3. Polyps or Other Growths: While polyps can appear as red spots, they are usually identified and removed during the procedure. If the doctor did not mention any polyps or abnormalities, it’s likely that the spot was not concerning.

4. Post-Procedure Effects: The use of laxatives before the procedure can sometimes lead to minor irritation or changes in the mucosal lining, which might explain the appearance of a red spot.

Since your doctor did not mention any issues during the colonoscopy, it’s possible that the red spot was not deemed significant. However, if you continue to experience lower abdominal pain, it is essential to follow up with your healthcare provider. Persistent pain, especially if it is accompanied by changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, or other concerning symptoms, warrants further investigation.

In terms of which specialist to see, a gastroenterologist would be the most appropriate choice since they specialize in digestive system disorders. If your symptoms persist or worsen, they may recommend additional imaging studies or tests to rule out other conditions.

Additionally, if you notice any new symptoms such as weight loss, fever, or significant changes in your bowel movements, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. These could be signs of a more serious condition that needs to be addressed.

In conclusion, while the red spot you observed during your colonoscopy may not be a cause for alarm, your ongoing abdominal pain should be evaluated further. Keep a close watch on your symptoms and maintain open communication with your healthcare provider to ensure that any underlying issues are identified and managed appropriately. Remember, your health is paramount, and it's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to persistent symptoms.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Concerns

Due to living off-campus during university and eating out for all meals, I underwent a colonoscopy at a major hospital two months ago, where an adenomatous polyp was removed and confirmed to be benign. However, recently I've been experiencing pain in my lower right abdomen u...

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, sir. Please rest assured that polyps do not cause pain; you can simply monitor them. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian

Understanding Colonoscopy Results for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: What to Know

I apologize, but initially, I experienced sharp pain in my abdomen, and later, I started having frequent trips to the bathroom after eating. The doctor at the hospital diagnosed it as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, to be cautious, I was advised to undergo a colonoscopy....

Dr. Cai Jinji reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
It is advisable to consult the original physician for clarification. If there are still concerns, you may bring the report to another physician for a second opinion.

Understanding Red Spots Found During Colonoscopy: What You Need to Know

Hello doctor, I had a colonoscopy yesterday and found a small section of my colon covered with red spots. They are not protrusions, but rather the surface of the colon is covered with these red spots. When I asked the doctor, he said he didn't know, and I feel very scared. C...

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Please discuss with the attending physician.

Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Insights on Colonoscopy and Internal Hemorrhoids

Doctor: I occasionally experience rectal bleeding, which is usually diagnosed as internal hemorrhoids through a digital rectal exam at the clinic. Over the past few years, the shape of my stool has changed to either soft or watery, or sometimes it appears as thin strips. Recently...

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Modern dietary and lifestyle habits make it difficult to avoid the occurrence of hemorrhoids. If a colonoscopy refers to a full colonoscopy, the diagnostic accuracy is very high, and it is rare for any cases to go undetected.