Fecal Occult Blood: Causes and Concerns for Abdominal Pain

Q: Fecal Occult Blood: Causes and Concerns for Abdominal Pain

Hello Mr. <br>D： It is recommended that you visit the hospital to consult with a physician about whether further examinations are necessary for a more accurate diagnosis. <br>Director Cai JinjI from the Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology at Nantou Hospital.

Fecal occult blood

I often experience pain in my upper right abdomen.
Four years ago, I had a colonoscopy, and the doctor said everything was normal.
However, the pain in my upper right abdomen has been becoming more frequent.
Recently, after each bowel movement, I carefully check my stool and even feel it with my hand.
Sometimes, I notice small red lumps less than 1 centimeter in size, as well as mucus that resembles nasal discharge.
This has made me very anxious.
I underwent a fecal immunochemical test, and although the result was negative, the laboratory mentioned that the usual value is 0, while mine was 33 (-) ng/ml < 100 ng/ml.
They advised me to retest in four months to check for any bleeding response, but it hasn't exceeded the reference range yet.
I am worried about whether there is an issue with my colon.
Please provide an explanation, thank you.

d, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/04/18

Dr. Cai Jinji reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello Mr.
D: It is recommended that you visit the hospital to consult with a physician about whether further examinations are necessary for a more accurate diagnosis.
Director Cai JinjI from the Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology at Nantou Hospital.

Reply Date: 2022/04/18

More Info

Fecal occult blood (FOB) testing is a crucial diagnostic tool used to detect hidden blood in the stool, which can be an indicator of various gastrointestinal issues, including colorectal cancer, polyps, or other conditions affecting the digestive tract. Your concerns about the right upper abdominal pain and the presence of red streaks or mucus-like substances in your stool are valid and warrant further investigation.

Given your history of right upper abdominal pain and a previous colonoscopy four years ago that was reported as normal, it is essential to consider several factors that could contribute to your current symptoms. The right upper quadrant of the abdomen houses several vital organs, including the liver, gallbladder, and parts of the intestines. Pain in this area can arise from various conditions, including gallbladder disease (such as gallstones), liver issues, or even referred pain from gastrointestinal disorders.

The presence of red streaks in your stool, although small, can be concerning. It may indicate bleeding somewhere in the gastrointestinal tract. The mucus-like substance you described could be related to several factors, including inflammation or irritation of the intestinal lining, which can occur due to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), infections, or even inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Your FOB test result of 33 ng/ml, while still within the negative range, suggests that there may be some level of concern that should not be overlooked. The recommendation to repeat the test in four months is prudent, but it is also essential to consider additional diagnostic evaluations in the meantime. If you continue to experience abdominal pain or notice any changes in your bowel habits, such as increased frequency, changes in stool consistency, or additional bleeding, you should seek medical attention promptly.

In the context of your symptoms, it may be beneficial to consult with a gastroenterologist who can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include repeat imaging studies or even a repeat colonoscopy, especially considering your symptoms have changed since your last examination. They may also recommend additional tests, such as blood tests to check for inflammation or liver function, or imaging studies like an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan to assess the organs in the right upper quadrant.

It is also important to consider lifestyle factors that may contribute to your symptoms. Dietary habits, stress levels, and overall digestive health can significantly impact gastrointestinal function. Keeping a food diary to track what you eat and any associated symptoms can provide valuable information to your healthcare provider.

In summary, while your FOB test result is currently within the negative range, the presence of abdominal pain and changes in your stool should not be ignored. It is essential to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and to discuss your concerns about potential gastrointestinal issues. Early detection and intervention are key to managing any underlying conditions effectively.

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