Your Digestive Discomfort: Is It IBS or Colon Cancer?

Q: Your Digestive Discomfort: Is It IBS or Colon Cancer?

Hello： Your symptoms are more indicative of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). <br>At 21 years old, if there is no family history of colorectal cancer, the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer is very low. <br>Additionally, since you have undergone a colonoscopy and no polyps

Colorectal diseases

Hello, my condition has been feeling strange in my abdomen since last year.
I have undergone a colonoscopy, which indicated some minor internal hemorrhoids, but I still feel a persistent bloating and discomfort in my stomach.
I also experience frequent flatulence, and my bowel movements vary between hard and soft, sometimes with blood.
Recently, I visited the hospital again, and the doctor only prescribed me digestive and urinary tract relaxants.
Could this be colon cancer or irritable bowel syndrome? It feels like this condition may not improve.

Yuzai, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/03/01

Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: Your symptoms are more indicative of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
At 21 years old, if there is no family history of colorectal cancer, the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer is very low.
Additionally, since you have undergone a colonoscopy and no polyps or tumors were found, it can be almost certain that it is not colorectal cancer.
The cause of IBS is unknown, and symptoms can fluctuate, particularly during times of stress, but it does not lead to serious complications and does not affect lifespan.
Sincerely, Dr.
Yuan Hong-Dao, Internal Medicine.

Reply Date: 2006/03/01

More Info

When it comes to digestive discomfort, particularly symptoms like abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and the presence of blood in stool, it is essential to differentiate between conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and more serious issues like colon cancer. Your symptoms, including persistent abdominal discomfort, gas, and variable stool consistency, can indeed be concerning, especially with the added symptom of blood in your stool.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that IBS is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by a combination of symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and altered bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or both). It is often triggered by stress, dietary choices, and other lifestyle factors. IBS does not cause structural changes in the intestines, which means that while it can be uncomfortable and distressing, it is not associated with an increased risk of colon cancer.

On the other hand, colon cancer can present with symptoms that overlap with IBS, such as changes in bowel habits, abdominal discomfort, and the presence of blood in the stool. However, colon cancer typically presents with additional warning signs, including significant weight loss, persistent abdominal pain, and changes in stool caliber (such as narrow stools). The presence of blood in the stool can be particularly concerning and warrants further investigation.

Given that you have undergone a colonoscopy and were informed of minor internal hemorrhoids, it is possible that your symptoms could be attributed to these hemorrhoids, especially if you are experiencing bleeding. Hemorrhoids can cause discomfort, bleeding, and changes in bowel habits, particularly if there is straining during bowel movements.
However, the fact that you are experiencing ongoing discomfort and changes in your bowel habits, along with the presence of blood, suggests that further evaluation may be necessary. It is crucial to communicate these symptoms to your healthcare provider, who may recommend additional tests, such as a fecal occult blood test or imaging studies, to rule out any serious conditions.

In summary, while your symptoms could be indicative of IBS, the presence of blood in your stool and persistent discomfort necessitates a thorough evaluation to rule out colon cancer or other gastrointestinal disorders. It is essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider, adhere to follow-up appointments, and advocate for your health. If your symptoms persist or worsen, seeking a second opinion or further diagnostic testing may be warranted to ensure that you receive the appropriate care and peace of mind.

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