Understanding Diverticula and Positive Fecal Occult Blood Test Results
Diverticula & Fecal Occult Blood Test Hello, doctor. I underwent a colonoscopy in early March this year, and the results showed no tumors or polyps, but I have internal hemorrhoids and one diverticulum. Recently, I had a stool test, and the fecal occult blood test came back p...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of occult blood, including conditions such as moles, polyps, and tumors, as well as enteritis or other gastrointestinal bleeding. A physician should evaluate whether further examination is necessary. Diverticula refer to the degeneration of the muscul...[Read More] Understanding Diverticula and Positive Fecal Occult Blood Test Results
Understanding Chronic Constipation: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Sudden constipation for several days accompanied by a sensation of gastrointestinal motility? Hello, doctor. I have had constipation since childhood, and despite paying close attention to nutrition, consuming adequate fiber, starch, fats, and proteins, and drinking 2800cc of wate...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If your dietary habits are already normal, it is not uncommon to have infrequent bowel movements due to a smaller food intake. It is important to respond to the urge to defecate immediately; otherwise, the stool may become hard and difficult to pass. It is acceptable to ha...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Constipation: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Understanding Bowel Issues: Symptoms and Concerns for Your Health
Bowel issues Hello doctor, today I experienced cramping pain in my abdomen (there's a gurgling sound in the lower left side of my intestines) and diarrhea. Initially, my stool was normal and formed, but I’m not sure if it’s because I ate too much. Later, it turned into water...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is related not only to diet and lifestyle but also to anxiety. Proper management and adjustments can help alleviate symptoms.[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Symptoms and Concerns for Your Health
Blood in Stool: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Help
Blood in the stool? I have been experiencing diarrhea every morning lately, and today I noticed some blood in my stool. Could this be a sign of anal fissure or hemorrhoids? I hope it's not colon cancer. Should I get a stool test done? The bleeding is occasional, not frequent...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello, Mr. Hsin-Yi. This is usually related to internal hemorrhoids or mucosal injury. However, if there is a family history of colorectal cancer or if the condition recurs, it is essential to have a physician evaluate the situation and consider undergoing a colonoscopy. Thank yo...[Read More] Blood in Stool: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Stool Issues: Hemorrhoids or Something More Serious?
Bowel issues Hello doctor, I previously visited a gastroenterology clinic where the doctor diagnosed me with internal hemorrhoids. Recently, my stools have been about the thickness of a ten-dollar coin and 7 to 8 centimeters long, but I noticed that one end of the stool has what ...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr. Hsiao, it is usually related to internal hemorrhoids or mucosal injury. However, if there is a family history of colorectal cancer or if it occurs repeatedly, it is essential to have a physician evaluate the situation and consider undergoing a colonoscopy. Thank you for...[Read More] Understanding Stool Issues: Hemorrhoids or Something More Serious?
Understanding CA-199 and CA-125 Tumor Markers: Which Specialist to Consult?
CA-199 tumor marker Hello Doctor, my recent health check results show that my CA-199 tumor marker is 75.2 and my CA-125 tumor marker is 60.5. Both values are highlighted in red. I would like to ask you, as I have been regularly (every year or six months) monitoring my gynecologic...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Elevated CA19-9 and CA-125 levels in women warrant further gynecological monitoring. Although the levels are not significantly high, they are abnormal and may be related to gynecological issues such as uterine fibroids or teratomas. Continued follow-up and treatment are recommend...[Read More] Understanding CA-199 and CA-125 Tumor Markers: Which Specialist to Consult?
Understanding Digestive Issues: Is Diarrhea Normal After Constipation Medication?
Intestinal issues? Hello, Doctor. Is it normal to experience diarrhea after taking a laxative (Clear Laxative Sugar-coated Tablets)? I visited a colorectal specialist two days ago, and after a digital rectal examination, the doctor found that I was constipated and prescribed me a...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Strong laxatives can cause painful contractions of the vaginal canal or even diarrhea; it may be advisable to reduce the dosage or switch medications.[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Is Diarrhea Normal After Constipation Medication?
Understanding Chronic Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Chronic unexplained abdominal pain? Hello, doctor. For the past six months, I have frequently experienced abdominal bloating and pain accompanied by cold sweats, nausea, dizziness, and a feeling of wanting to vomit. The pain is not localized and can be felt from below the ribs to...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please discuss with a gastroenterologist and implement dietary control along with moderate exercise to reduce stress. An ultrasound examination may also be considered.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Digestive Issues: Can Tomato Scrambled Eggs Cause Diarrhea?
Abdominal issues. Bowel problems? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if eating too much scrambled eggs with tomatoes can cause diarrhea. I've been feeling some discomfort in my abdomen recently. This morning, when I had a bowel movement, I noticed that my stool contained tom...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If there is no family history of early-onset colorectal cancer, there is no need to worry too much. If changes in stool patterns or frequency are due to certain dietary factors, it is generally not a concern. If you still have questions, you can return for a follow-up visi...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Can Tomato Scrambled Eggs Cause Diarrhea?
Understanding Abdominal Pain and Bowel Changes: When to See a Gastroenterologist
Please ask your question? Hello Dr. Yang, about a week ago, I experienced a slight pain just below my navel on the left side. I visited a clinic, and the doctor prescribed me some antacids. Over the past couple of days, I’ve noticed that when I lie down, I occasionally feel a sha...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr. Yang, based on your description, it seems to be enteritis, and the likelihood of colorectal cancer is relatively low. If the symptoms persist and do not improve, it is advisable to have a physician evaluate the situation.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain and Bowel Changes: When to See a Gastroenterologist
Understanding Mucus in Stool: Causes and When to Worry
Mucous stools without blood? Hello, Deputy Director. Sometimes when I have softer stools, I notice mucus when I wipe after straining, which is brown and does not contain blood. However, there is no mucus in the stool itself, just the odor of the stool. This occurrence is infreque...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
When experiencing soft stools with mucus but no blood, and noticing that stools become soft and mucous during stressful times, it can be concerning, especially after eating something that may have upset your stomach. The fear of colorectal cancer is understandable. At your age, t...[Read More] Understanding Mucus in Stool: Causes and When to Worry
Understanding Bowel Issues: Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Advice
Bowel issues Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing frequent issues with bowel movements lately. I often feel like I haven't completely emptied my bowels after a bowel movement, which leads me to go multiple times a day. Each time, I spend a long time in the bathroom, and th...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Fecal occult blood testing can be performed, or alternatively, increase the intake of fruits and vegetables, maintain hydration, and engage in regular exercise for further observation.[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Variations in Stool Consistency: When to Seek Help
The stool is mushy at the end? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing issues related to my bowel movements and would like to ask for your advice. I typically have a bowel movement once a day, but the amount can vary. Sometimes, when I sit for a longer period, the amount is great...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is normal for the latter part of the stool to be softer, which may result in softer or thinner stools, and in some cases, it may even appear pasty. If the stool occult blood test is normal, there is no need to worry too much. However, if you are at high risk (for exampl...[Read More] Understanding Variations in Stool Consistency: When to Seek Help
Understanding the Link Between Fecal Occult Blood and Elevated CEA Levels
Fecal occult blood and its correlation with CEA levels? Hello doctor, my father, a long-time smoker, had a blood test yesterday that showed a CEA level of 9.4. The doctor advised him to quickly schedule a colonoscopy, but we have to wait two weeks for the results. In July, he had...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It's a matter of perspective, and there is no definitive answer (there should be no colorectal cancer, but polyps cannot be ruled out). If concerned, a colonoscopy should be performed, but lung cancer is also a possibility; the important thing is to quit smoking.[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Fecal Occult Blood and Elevated CEA Levels
Understanding Persistent Bowel Urgency: Causes and Concerns
Persistent urge to defecate? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask if having a persistent feeling of needing to have a bowel movement throughout the day is normal. It's not a strong urge to go to the bathroom, but rather a sensation near the anus or in the intestinal area clos...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If the fecal occult blood test is normal, observation can be considered initially.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Bowel Urgency: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Blood on Toilet Paper: Causes and Concerns of Colitis
Blood on toilet paper after a bowel movement, diagnosed as colitis? I occasionally eat out, but I usually eat at home, consuming a lot of vegetables, mostly organic, and I rarely eat fried or spicy foods, maintaining a light diet. Until mid-November of this year, I was having reg...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You can first return to the gastroenterologist for a discussion.[Read More] Understanding Blood on Toilet Paper: Causes and Concerns of Colitis
Understanding Rectal Discomfort: Hemorrhoids vs. Colon Cancer Concerns
Bowel issues Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about a recent feeling of heaviness in my anus. I have a history of hemorrhoids, and with the upcoming exams, I've been staying up late frequently. I also have a habit of using my phone while having a bowel movement. My stools f...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. At the age of 17, the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer is low. 2. You can consult a gastroenterologist or a proctologist for evaluation. A colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or anoscopy may be performed. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Rectal Discomfort: Hemorrhoids vs. Colon Cancer Concerns
Red Spots in Stool: Should You Worry About Hemorrhoids or Cancer?
There are some red spots in the stool? Hello doctor, yesterday I had diarrhea and passed a lot of small soft stools. I noticed that one of the soft stools had numerous tiny red dots on it, while the others did not. There was no blood or redness when I wiped. I was previously diag...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It does not appear to be colorectal cancer; further observation is recommended.[Read More] Red Spots in Stool: Should You Worry About Hemorrhoids or Cancer?
Understanding Weekly Diarrhea: Is It IBS or Something Else?
Diarrhea 1-2 times a week? After five months of weight training and adjusting to a high-protein diet, I have been experiencing increased bowel sounds and flatulence after dinner. I consistently have a bowel movement before 11 AM, but I experience diarrhea 1-2 days a week, althoug...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You do not yet meet the criteria for irritable bowel syndrome; dietary adjustments and stress reduction can be considered for further observation. Colorectal cancer screening is recommended starting at age 50, but if there are concerns, it can be initiated as early as age 45.[Read More] Understanding Weekly Diarrhea: Is It IBS or Something Else?
Blood in Stool: Is It Related to Hemorrhoids or Something More Serious?
Blood in the stool? Recently, I experienced pain in my buttocks and after examination, I was diagnosed with internal hemorrhoids. There was no bleeding until today, after undergoing a digital rectal exam, I noticed a trace of blood in my stool (the image is linked above). I would...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It may be bleeding from the anal microvessels, which is associated with internal hemorrhoids or anal fissures and is not related to colorectal cancer.[Read More] Blood in Stool: Is It Related to Hemorrhoids or Something More Serious?