Is This a Sign of Colon Cancer? Understanding Your Symptoms
Is this colorectal cancer? This morning, my stool was shaped like strips and had a golden yellow color. However, it started off thick and then became slightly thinner. There were many small black and red pieces in the stool, as well as something resembling hawthorn. At first, the...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, considering these symptoms, it may be gastroenteritis combined with rectal bleeding. The bleeding could be due to excessive straining during bowel movements, which causes the anal sphincter to contract too much. There is no need to immediately think of colorectal cancer. I...[Read More] Is This a Sign of Colon Cancer? Understanding Your Symptoms
Weight Loss and Colon Cancer: When to Be Concerned?
Weight loss I would like to ask, regarding colorectal cancer, is it necessary to be concerned about weight loss only if it is significant, or should even a loss of one or two kilograms be taken seriously? Additionally, how can one determine if stool has become thinner? Thank you ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Significant weight loss refers to a reduction of 10% of the original body weight within 6 months, or a rapid decrease of 5% within 1 month. A change in stool caliber, specifically thinner stools that consistently remain narrow, may indicate that a colorectal tumor is occup...[Read More] Weight Loss and Colon Cancer: When to Be Concerned?
Understanding White Coating on Stool: Inflammation or Cancer Risk?
White lesions Last week, there was a noticeable white coating that almost covered the entire stool. I went to see a doctor who said it was inflammation and prescribed me medication called Gastroprotective agents. After finishing the medication, the coating decreased, but there is...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is not possible to directly determine whether there is colorectal cancer based solely on stool characteristics. If there is an improvement in bowel habits, you can patiently wait for the recovery from enteritis. However, if the situation does not improve, you may seek m...[Read More] Understanding White Coating on Stool: Inflammation or Cancer Risk?
Understanding Blood in Stool: Concerns and Insights for Patients
The presence of bright red blood in my stool has made me anxious? Hello Doctor… I have a family history of colorectal cancer, so I have a colonoscopy every three years. I had a normal colonoscopy in May last year, but I have issues with internal hemorrhoids. Three weeks ago, afte...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, although there is a family history of colorectal cancer, it is currently not recommended to undergo a colonoscopy immediately. The most likely cause of the blood in the stool is hemorrhoids, so it is advisable to first consult a colorectal surgeon for treatment. Wishing yo...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Concerns and Insights for Patients
Blood During Bowel Movements: Understanding Causes Beyond Hemorrhoids
There is some fresh blood when wiping after a bowel movement. I have seen a doctor, but they said I do not have hemorrhoids? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've noticed a small amount of bright red blood when wiping after a bowel movement. I went to see a doctor, who performed a d...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, sometimes internal hemorrhoids cannot be detected through a digital rectal examination, and ultrasound cannot check for colorectal cancer. Generally, to screen for colorectal cancer, one must undergo a colorectal examination, such as a colonoscopy or a barium enema. Based ...[Read More] Blood During Bowel Movements: Understanding Causes Beyond Hemorrhoids
Understanding Polyp Removal: What It Means for Colon Cancer Risk
Polypectomy Dear Dr. Chen, I just underwent a complete colonoscopy today, and the doctor found a very small polyp, which was removed on the spot. They mentioned it would be sent for pathology testing. At this stage, can I rule out the possibility of colorectal cancer? If the pa...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, small polyps have a higher chance of being benign. If they are hyperplastic polyps, the risk of cancer transformation is almost negligible; however, for adenomatous polyps, the risk of malignancy varies depending on the pathological type. After polypect...[Read More] Understanding Polyp Removal: What It Means for Colon Cancer Risk
Concerns After Internal Hemorrhoid Ligation: Is Colon Cancer Possible?
Post-operative issues related to internal hemorrhoid ligation? I previously had a condition of internal hemorrhoids and had undergone a ligation surgery without any issues. However, I experienced rectal bleeding afterward. On April 3rd, the doctor mentioned that two hemorrhoids w...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Please seek medical treatment for the healing of the mole and ulcer wounds. After evaluation by a physician, a colonoscopy may be arranged if necessary. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Concerns After Internal Hemorrhoid Ligation: Is Colon Cancer Possible?
Understanding Abnormal Bowel Movements: When to Seek Further Testing
Abnormal bowel movements? In May 2009, a colonoscopy was performed and the results were normal. In October 2012, a polyp was found in the sigmoid colon. In the same month, due to occasional blood-tinged mucus in the stool, another colonoscopy was performed, and the results were n...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, regarding the polyps, it is recommended to just monitor them. Since you are 45 years old, you can start receiving fecal tests for colorectal cancer every two years starting at age 50. The diarrhea with mucus is likely a digestive function issue; it is advisable to reduce o...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Bowel Movements: When to Seek Further Testing
Understanding Positive Fecal Occult Blood Test Results: What You Need to Know
The fecal occult blood test result is positive? My father had a positive fecal occult blood test two years ago but has been reluctant to undergo a colonoscopy. At that time, the doctor mentioned that he had mild gastritis from an upper endoscopy, and that he also has diverticulit...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Individuals over the age of 50 can receive free fecal occult blood screening for colorectal cancer every two years from the National Health Administration. If the test result is positive, statistics indicate that approximately 1 in 2 individuals who undergo further colonos...[Read More] Understanding Positive Fecal Occult Blood Test Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding Colonoscopy Reports: Addressing Concerns About Colorectal Health
Colonoscopy report Hello, doctor. Could you please take a look at the colonoscopy report? I am worried that my father might be concealing his condition, and my uncle has previously had colon cancer, which makes me very concerned. Thank you very much for your help. I will take a p...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: According to the report, it is a benign polyp. Please undergo regular fecal occult blood screening for colorectal cancer. Wishing you safety and health. Department of Gastroenterology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Dr. Chen Chi-Feng.[Read More] Understanding Colonoscopy Reports: Addressing Concerns About Colorectal Health
Understanding Abnormal Stool Appearance: What Red Spots Could Mean
Stool shape If the stool is shaped normally like a sausage but has red spots on the inside and surface, and there is no blood on the toilet paper after wiping the anal area, is this a serious issue?
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: If you are unable to determine whether there is bleeding, it is recommended that you undergo colorectal cancer screening and check for fecal occult blood. Individuals aged 50 and older are eligible for a free fecal test for colorectal cancer screening every two years throu...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Stool Appearance: What Red Spots Could Mean
Understanding Villous Polyps: What You Need to Know About This Gastrointestinal Issue
Villous polyp A few days ago, I had a colonoscopy and found a polyp about 0.8 centimeters. The doctor removed it on the spot, and when I returned for the follow-up, the pathology report indicated it was benign. I remember the doctor mentioned it was a villous polyp. What is a vil...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Polyps can be classified into: 1. Non-familial polyps: (1) Hyperplastic - the most common, with a low risk of malignant transformation (2) Inflammatory (3) Adenomatous: a. Tubular adenoma b. Villous adenoma (higher risk of malignant transformation) c. Mixed type (higher ri...[Read More] Understanding Villous Polyps: What You Need to Know About This Gastrointestinal Issue
Concerns About Colonoscopy Findings: What You Need to Know
Colonoscopy issues? Hello, My wife (25 years old) has been experiencing symptoms such as constipation, abdominal pain, and blood in her stool for the past year. Her stools are usually thin and soft, and she often alternates between constipation and diarrhea. Despite increasing ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Sir: 1. You should trust your physician's judgment, but there are indeed exceptions in the world. 2. If you have no symptoms, there is no need for medication treatment. 3. Hemorrhoids are vascular tissues at the anal opening, and everyone has them to some extent; if t...[Read More] Concerns About Colonoscopy Findings: What You Need to Know
Understanding Chronic Constipation: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Bowel issues Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my constipation symptoms, which have persisted for almost two years. I usually drink plenty of water, eat fruits and vegetables, take probiotics, and exercise, but I am still troubled by constipation. I often have bowel movemen...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The symptoms you listed could be associated with various conditions, including Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (such as Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's Disease), or even colorectal cancer. As for whether furthe...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Constipation: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Loose Stools After Internal Hemorrhoids: Causes and Solutions
Internal hemorrhoids with loose stools? Hello Doctor: About two weeks ago, I started experiencing diarrhea, possibly due to gastroenteritis (there was no blood in the stool). I also felt weak all over. After a day or two, I felt slightly better, and my strength gradually improved...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: After gastroenteritis, the intestinal function and mucosa need some time to recover, so there may be temporary changes in bowel habits. It is important to pay attention to the types of food consumed, avoiding high-fat, high-protein, and low-fiber foods. If the issue is pur...[Read More] Understanding Loose Stools After Internal Hemorrhoids: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Colorectal Cancer: Survival Rates and Dietary Guidance
Colorectal cancer in family members? My grandmother had colon cancer surgery on December 30th. Will chemotherapy shorten her life? She is currently at stage III, and out of 39 lymph nodes removed, 8 were infected. What is her current survival rate approximately? Can she eat Quake...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Whether chemotherapy is necessary depends on the patient's condition and the extent of tumor invasion. If conditions permit, it should still be administered. The 5-year survival rate for stage III is approximately 50%. Since it has been one month post-surgery, if the ...[Read More] Understanding Colorectal Cancer: Survival Rates and Dietary Guidance
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: What to Do If Tests Are Positive
Gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello, doctor. Thank you for your patience in answering my questions. After that, the outpatient physician arranged for a stool test. If it unfortunately comes back positive, what diseases could I potentially have? What are the next steps in managemen...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Positive fecal occult blood can occur in conditions such as hemorrhoids, colitis, diverticulosis, colorectal polyps, and colorectal cancer. Based on age, hemorrhoids are the most likely cause, particularly internal hemorrhoids, which may be painless and itch-free, presenti...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: What to Do If Tests Are Positive
Do I Need a Colonoscopy After Rectal Exams for Blood in Stool?
If a patient has experienced rectal bleeding and has undergone a flexible sigmoidoscopy, is it still necessary to perform a colonoscopy? Hello doctor, I previously experienced blood in my stool, and doctors have said it is due to internal hemorrhoids. I have undergone a sigmoidos...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Mr./Ms. Chen, Hello, you are 27 years old. Most cases of blood in the stool are likely caused by anal fissures or hemorrhoids, and the chance of cancer is relatively low. You can start with a fecal occult blood test, and if the result is positive, a colonoscopy can be arran...[Read More] Do I Need a Colonoscopy After Rectal Exams for Blood in Stool?
Understanding Abdominal Pain and Blood in Stool: Should You Worry?
Abdominal pain with bloody stools? I previously underwent a barium enema, and the doctor said there were no abnormalities. However, I noticed a small amount of blood in my stool two days ago, and my stools are typically ribbon-like, with noticeable blood only that one time. I som...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: The diagnostic accuracy of barium enema for anal and rectal lesions is relatively poor. Based on your symptoms, the presence of blood in the stool likely originates from the anal or rectal area, and your bowel habits may be a result of functional disorders. It is recommend...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain and Blood in Stool: Should You Worry?
Understanding Fecal Occult Blood Tests for Colorectal Cancer Screening
Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) The fecal occult blood test (FOBT) can detect approximately 70% of colorectal cancers. Thank you!
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello, fecal occult blood testing: Tumors do not bleed continuously. Therefore, the accuracy of detecting colorectal cancer using fecal occult blood tests is approximately 30% to 50%. However, if fecal occult blood is detected, it is recommended to undergo further endoscopic exam...[Read More] Understanding Fecal Occult Blood Tests for Colorectal Cancer Screening