Screening for Colorectal Issues: Symptoms and Recommended Tests
Screening for Colorectal Pathologies Hello Dr. Chen, my symptoms are that I have bowel movements once or twice every one to two days, but sometimes I have difficulty passing stool, and I notice a small amount of blood on the toilet paper when I wipe. Last month, there was also bl...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, the most common cause of rectal bleeding is hemorrhoids. The blood is usually bright red and may disperse in water. If a colonoscopy has already been performed and no issues were found, it is advisable to observe for a few days, drink plenty of water, eat fruits, and reduc...[Read More] Screening for Colorectal Issues: Symptoms and Recommended Tests
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Unformed Stools and Tailbone Discomfort
Intestinal discomfort, unformed stools, and coccydynia? Hello! Symptoms: For the past week, my stools have been unformed, mostly thin like a pencil, and then watery. {Initially (a week ago), there were two instances of black (watery) stools.} I have bowel movements 2 to 3 times a...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, gastrointestinal bleeding can result in stools that resemble tar; however, black stools can sometimes be caused by food. A fecal occult blood test can be performed, as rectal conditions may lead to coccygeal pain, such as intestinal obstruction or inflamed hemorrhoids. You...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Unformed Stools and Tailbone Discomfort
Understanding Rectal Motility: Causes, Concerns, and Dietary Solutions
The anus may exhibit peristalsis? Hello, Doctor You... Q: From July 13 to July 17, during this week (which I haven't experienced before), I noticed that my anus and rectum have been twitching, I have been passing gas, and I feel the urge to have a bowel movement, but the sto...
Dr. You Ligang Reply:
Based on your age and symptoms, you likely have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which is caused by factors such as mood, stress, and autonomic nervous system dysregulation. It is important to adjust your mood and dietary habits. As for colorectal cancer, it often has a family his...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Motility: Causes, Concerns, and Dietary Solutions
Should I Consult Gastroenterology or Colorectal Surgery for Rectal Polyps?
Hepatobiliary, Gastrointestinal, or Colorectal Surgery Hello, about three years ago, I discovered a mass resembling a polyp at the anal opening (approximately 3-5mm). Given my family history of colorectal cancer and polyps, should I seek help from a hepatobiliary and gastroentero...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, anal polyps are usually benign, as cases of anal cancer are relatively rare. If similar conditions arise, it is advisable to consult a colorectal surgeon. Regarding a family history of colorectal cancer, according to the National Health Administration's screening poli...[Read More] Should I Consult Gastroenterology or Colorectal Surgery for Rectal Polyps?
Post-Colon Cancer Surgery: Essential Care and Recovery Tips
What are the nursing and care guidelines after colorectal cancer surgery? Hello Dr. Chen: I am inquiring on behalf of someone else. I would like to ask about the nursing and healthcare issues after colorectal cancer surgery. What are the general self-care skills that the patient ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Miss Blue Sky: You may consult a surgeon for more information. Generally, a balanced diet is sufficient, but it depends on the extent of the surgery. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Post-Colon Cancer Surgery: Essential Care and Recovery Tips
Am I at High Risk for Colon Cancer? Understanding Family History and Symptoms
Am I in a high-risk group? Dear Dr. Chen, My older brother was recently diagnosed with colon cancer (malignant tumor measuring three centimeters) at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, but fortunately, it has not spread yet! My father also underwent surgery to remove colon poly...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: It is indeed related to stress-induced abnormal colonic motility (not related to colorectal cancer). You can learn relaxation techniques in your daily life, and if necessary (during critical moments), you may take medication for control. Additionally, due to your fami...[Read More] Am I at High Risk for Colon Cancer? Understanding Family History and Symptoms
Understanding Abnormal Bowel Movements and Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Abnormal bowel movements, bleeding, and nausea? My mother is 48 years old, and she has described her "abnormal bowel movements" for over a year. She has multiple bowel movements a day, sometimes 3 to 4 times or more, with episodes of diarrhea and sometimes just soft sto...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. Some individuals experience diarrhea and bloating due to lactose intolerance when consuming milk. 2. Generally, spicy foods can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and lead to diarrhea. 3. Missing teeth, poor chewing ability, and reduced secretion of digestive juice...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Bowel Movements and Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Understanding Persistent Soft Stools: Causes and When to Seek Help
Consistently passing soft stools? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing soft stools for over a month now. I have seen a doctor and taken medication, but the condition remains the same. I do not have any abdominal pain, my diet is normal, and I have bowel movements 1 to 2 times ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Ms. Donna: Surgery can affect gastric motility and digestion, and Omelon may also have some impact on the balance of intestinal flora, which can lead to softer stools. You may want to discuss with your physician about adjusting your medication and dietary habits. Changhua ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Soft Stools: Causes and When to Seek Help
Possible Causes of Blood in Stool and Abdominal Discomfort
Inquiry Your friend is experiencing blood in their stool (black or red) along with abdominal discomfort. This could be indicative of several potential issues, including: 1. **Gastrointestinal bleeding**: This could stem from conditions such as hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, or gas...
Dr. You Ligang Reply:
Hello, the presence of blood in the stool is often caused by hemorrhoids; however, if the blood is dark red, it may indicate that the bleeding source is located above the sigmoid colon. Additionally, if there is abdominal discomfort, it could suggest diverticulitis, ischemic coli...[Read More] Possible Causes of Blood in Stool and Abdominal Discomfort
Causes of Right Side Abdominal Bloating: Beyond Ultrasound Findings
Bloating on the right side of the abdomen? If you are experiencing bloating on the right side of your abdomen and an ultrasound did not reveal any issues, there are several potential causes to consider. These may include: 1. **Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)**: A common gastroint...
Dr. Zhang Siyuan Reply:
Hello! Abdominal bloating is just a symptom, and as you inquired, it can have many causes, some of which are benign and not life-threatening if diagnosed late, while others can be life-threatening if recognized too late and should not be taken lightly. Common causes include the f...[Read More] Causes of Right Side Abdominal Bloating: Beyond Ultrasound Findings
Are Bloating and Dizziness Related? Understanding Gastrointestinal Health
Is dizziness related to bloating? Hello doctor! My husband is 55 years old and has a large abdomen. He has regular bowel movements every day but often feels bloated, and recently he has experienced occasional dizziness. Could this be related? Additionally, how should he manage hi...
Dr. Zhang Siyuan Reply:
Hello! Here are the answers to your questions: ★ Bloating is just a symptom that can have many causes. Benign causes may not be life-threatening even if diagnosed late, but some causes can be life-threatening if detected too late, so it should not be taken lightly. Common causes...[Read More] Are Bloating and Dizziness Related? Understanding Gastrointestinal Health
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Gastrointestinal and bowel issues? Hello Dr. Chang, thank you for taking the time to respond to my lengthy question. To save your time, I will directly describe my situation: I have been experiencing gastrointestinal and bowel issues for over a year. Recently, I have had more not...
Dr. Zhang Siyuan Reply:
To Xiao Qi: You have described your symptoms very clearly, which are evidently related to issues around the anal area. An anoscopy should be the starting point for examination. There may be inflammation and swelling in your anal tissue, which could be causing the frequent urge to...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Understanding Lower Abdominal Hardness: Symptoms and Cancer Concerns
Lower abdominal mass? Hello! Recently, I have noticed a hard mass located about two centimeters above my lower abdominal hip bone. It is difficult to feel when standing, but I can easily palpate it when sitting down. The mass becomes more prominent when I have the urge to defecat...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, once abdominal tumors or masses appear, they do not shrink or disappear. Therefore, the hard or protruding object that you feel may be a distended section of the intestine, which can subside after the distention resolves. Of course, subcutaneous structu...[Read More] Understanding Lower Abdominal Hardness: Symptoms and Cancer Concerns
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Frequent Bowel Movements and Gas Problems
Gas and bowel movement issues? Doctor: Hello! I have been experiencing a troubling issue lately, which is the frequent need to use the restroom. This symptom has persisted for two to three months. I have visited various clinics for treatment, but none have resolved the issue. It ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, I have been experiencing diarrhea for 2-3 months, with more than 5 episodes per day. I have already been referred to a gastroenterologist for a colonoscopy. If structural abnormalities (such as colorectal cancer or colitis) are ruled out, it may be considered a functional ...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Frequent Bowel Movements and Gas Problems
Understanding Your Digestive Concerns: Frequent Bowel Movements Explained
Doctor, I feel strange? Doctor, I often have diarrhea, but I only go once a day. Sometimes I feel my anal muscles twitching. What could that be? I'm very worried.
Dr. You Ligang Reply:
Hello, in general, chronic diarrhea in young people is commonly caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is often related to work stress, a tense personality, irregular lifestyle, or poor diet. If bowel movements occur only once a day and do not affect daily life or work, ...[Read More] Understanding Your Digestive Concerns: Frequent Bowel Movements Explained
Understanding Bowel Issues: Mucus, Blood, and Possible Colorectal Cancer Symptoms
Bowel issues I have been experiencing transparent white mucus during bowel movements, and sometimes there is blood, which occurs almost constantly but varies in amount. Sometimes there is blood, and sometimes there isn't. I also feel dizzy easily, and my breathing can make m...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Hsiao-Chieh: A change in bowel habits refers to a variation in the frequency of bowel movements. Additionally, due to the presence of blood in the stool, it is recommended that you visit a gastroenterology clinic for a painless colonoscopy. Changhua Hospital cares about...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Mucus, Blood, and Possible Colorectal Cancer Symptoms
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Young Adults
Blood in the stool..? Hello doctor, I'm a 20-year-old male. I've felt that my gastrointestinal health hasn't been great since I was young. I often experience flatulence and belching, and my bowel movements have been irregular, occurring only every 4 to 5 days. Rece...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, the presence of blood on the surface of stool is commonly seen in young individuals due to anal fissures and hemorrhoids. Other potential causes include colitis, colorectal cancer, and polyps. It is advisable to increase fiber and fluid intake to develop good bowel habits....[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Young Adults
Understanding CA 72-4 Levels and Cancer Risk: What You Need to Know
CA 72-4 is a tumor marker primarily associated with gastric cancer, but it can also be elevated in Hello, my CA72-4 gastric cancer tumor marker is 12.7, which is significantly above the standard. Could you please tell me what the probability of having cancer is? I have no symptom...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, Ms. Chiu. 1. CA72-4 primarily detects the tumor-associated glycoprotein TAG-72 in the blood, which is secreted by adenocarcinoma cells. Clinically, it is mainly used for gastrointestinal and ovarian tumors, particularly mucinous ovarian cancer. Previous studies have repo...[Read More] Understanding CA 72-4 Levels and Cancer Risk: What You Need to Know
Understanding Symptoms: Could It Be Colon Cancer?
No abdominal pain? I would like to ask if there is no visible blood in the stool, but there is blood when wiping after a bowel movement, without any pain in the anus, abdomen, or stomach. The stool is somewhat muddy and a darker yellow-brown color. Bowel movements occur once in t...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. T-Wei: It is not possible to make a definitive diagnosis at this time. You may first undergo a flexible sigmoidoscopy (which is simple and painless) to confirm that there is no cancer, and then continue with medication for monitoring. We can discuss whether to proceed wi...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Could It Be Colon Cancer?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: GERD, Symptoms, and Cancer Concerns
Physical discomfort? During the Lunar New Year, I overate and have been experiencing persistent burping. Initially, I felt a sour taste coming up with the burps, but it later developed into a burning sensation in my chest. I consulted a doctor who diagnosed me with gastroesophage...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Web7: Your symptoms are primarily related to gastrointestinal dysfunction and are not associated with colorectal cancer (considering your young age, absence of blood in stool, and lack of family history). With patience in taking medication and adjusting your lifestyle s...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: GERD, Symptoms, and Cancer Concerns