Seeing Blood in Stool: Should You Worry About Colon Cancer?

Blood streaks in stool?

It may be due to having eaten something bad during last night's late meal, as I have been experiencing continuous diarrhea this morning.
The stool is very loose, almost entirely liquid, and in the later instances, the color of the stool is very light and has a viscous consistency.
Suddenly, I noticed one or two small bright red streaks of blood in it.
Aside from that, there are no other signs of bleeding.
I have a small skin tag (which a doctor previously indicated did not need treatment), and I also had a colorectal cancer screening in the anal area at that time, which showed no issues.
Currently, the diarrhea has stopped, but I would like to ask if it is necessary to undergo a colorectal cancer screening again, and if so, which type would be most appropriate.
Thank you.

Tongxue, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/06/22

Dr. Xiao Jingqin reply Internal Medicine

Based on your symptoms, you may be experiencing infectious diarrhea, which is often caused by a bacterial infection that damages the intestinal mucosa, leading to the production of mucous stools and potentially blood-streaked stools if there is deeper invasion.
This condition is usually short-lived and will resolve naturally a few days after the diarrhea subsides.
If there is no improvement, you should seek consultation with a gastroenterologist, and hospitalization may be necessary.
Your symptoms are not closely related to colorectal cancer, as the symptoms of colorectal cancer typically present gradually and persistently.
Additionally, given your young age and the absence of a family history of familial adenomatous polyposis, the likelihood of colorectal cancer is extremely low.

Reply Date: 2011/06/22

More Info

Seeing blood in your stool can understandably be alarming, especially with concerns about colon cancer. However, it's important to consider various factors before jumping to conclusions. Based on your description, it seems that you experienced a bout of diarrhea, which can sometimes lead to minor bleeding due to irritation or inflammation of the intestinal lining. The presence of small amounts of bright red blood, particularly after a period of diarrhea, is often associated with conditions like hemorrhoids or anal fissures rather than colon cancer.

Given your history of hemorrhoids, it's quite possible that the blood you observed is related to this condition. Hemorrhoids can become inflamed and bleed, especially after episodes of straining or passing hard stools. The fact that you mentioned having a previous examination for colon cancer that showed no issues is reassuring. Regular screenings, such as colonoscopies, are typically recommended starting at age 45 for average-risk individuals, and earlier for those with a family history of colorectal cancer.

In your case, since you have already undergone a colon cancer screening and have been told there are no issues, the likelihood of colon cancer being the cause of your current symptoms is low. However, if you notice persistent blood in your stool, changes in your bowel habits, or any new symptoms such as significant abdominal pain, weight loss, or changes in appetite, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare professional.

For your current situation, since the diarrhea has stopped and you are not experiencing any other concerning symptoms, it may not be necessary to undergo another colonoscopy immediately. However, if the blood reappears or if you have any ongoing concerns, a follow-up with your gastroenterologist would be advisable. They may recommend a flexible sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy depending on your symptoms and medical history.

In summary, while seeing blood in your stool can be concerning, it is essential to consider the context of your symptoms. Given your history of hemorrhoids and the recent episode of diarrhea, it is likely that the blood is not indicative of colon cancer. However, maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider and monitoring your symptoms is crucial for your peace of mind and overall health. If you have any doubts or if your symptoms change, do not hesitate to seek medical advice.

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