Understanding Abnormal Bowel Movements: Mucus, Blood, and Concerns
Mucus, feces, pellet-like stools, and possible presence of blood? Hello Doctor: I will be 16 years old in a few months. About a year ago, one morning I suddenly felt the urge to have a bowel movement. As soon as I got to the bathroom, I had a loose stool, and there was some mucus...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The presence of blood upon wiping is mostly from the anal area, and it could be due to anal fissures or hemorrhoids. It is recommended to maintain a balanced diet and not to consume only certain types of food. Since you are young, the likelihood of developing colorectal ca...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Bowel Movements: Mucus, Blood, and Concerns
Understanding Liver Metastasis from Colorectal Cancer: MRI Insights
Colonoscopy Hello, Doctor. I just want to know if liver metastasis from colorectal cancer would still show lymphadenopathy or the primary colorectal tumor on MRI, right? (Since if it has already metastasized from the colon to the liver, the radiologist should definitely be able t...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It varies, as there are significant individual differences. Please discuss with your attending physician.[Read More] Understanding Liver Metastasis from Colorectal Cancer: MRI Insights
Understanding Fecal Occult Blood Testing for Colon Cancer and Polyps
Fecal occult blood Hello Dr. Chen, 1. What is the accuracy rate of fecal occult blood testing for colorectal cancer? 2. Can it detect colorectal polyps? If so, should a colonoscopy be performed for polyp removal? 3. If polyps were removed during a colonoscopy five years ago, ca...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Larger polyps and colorectal cancer often show positive fecal occult blood tests, with a relatively high accuracy. The frequency of follow-up for polyps varies depending on their number and size, so please discuss this with your original physician. Anal fissures typically require...[Read More] Understanding Fecal Occult Blood Testing for Colon Cancer and Polyps
Understanding Colorectal Cancer Risks and MRI Limitations
Colorectal cancer MRI Doctor, I had a full-body MRI last year, and there is a liver nodule about 1 cm in size. I underwent a colonoscopy six and a half years ago. I have noticed some white mucus in my stool, and recently I've been experiencing significant gastrointestinal di...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Colorectal cancer screening only requires a fecal occult blood test, so there is no need to worry too much. Liver nodules can be monitored with ultrasound.[Read More] Understanding Colorectal Cancer Risks and MRI Limitations
Understanding MRI Detection of Colorectal Cancer Stages and Liver Metastasis
Colorectal cancer MRI 1. In general, at what stage of colorectal cancer can it typically be detected on an MRI? 2. Regarding the differences in imaging, should liver metastases from colorectal cancer appear significantly different from liver nodules on an MRI? (If it is metastati...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
MRI is primarily used to assess advanced metastatic disease, lymphatic liver nodules, and liver metastases, but there is overlap in their evaluation; therefore, biopsy is still necessary when needed.[Read More] Understanding MRI Detection of Colorectal Cancer Stages and Liver Metastasis
Understanding Early Symptoms of Colon Cancer: What You Need to Know
Early symptoms of colorectal cancer? Four months ago, I experienced symptoms of dark stools with fresh blood. There was one occasion where I only passed mucus, and sometimes I felt dizzy, which I wasn't sure was due to staying up late. I consulted a doctor at that time who d...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The likelihood of developing colorectal cancer at the age of 16 is extremely low. It is advisable to monitor for any signs of anal fissures or the possibility of hemorrhoids due to prolonged sitting, as well as to check for constipation or harder, larger stools. If there a...[Read More] Understanding Early Symptoms of Colon Cancer: What You Need to Know
Understanding Anal Fissures and Their Link to Anal Cancer Risks
Colon and rectal issues 1. Can anal fissures lead to anal cancer? What is the incidence rate of anal cancer and what are the possible causes? 2. News reports frequently mention the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer among younger individuals. Is this true? How should we ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Anal fissures are not anal cancer. Be aware of family history and reduce the intake of greasy foods, as colorectal cancer is becoming more prevalent among younger individuals.[Read More] Understanding Anal Fissures and Their Link to Anal Cancer Risks
Understanding Chronic Diarrhea: Causes and Concerns for Young Adults
Chronic diarrhea Doctor, I am 27 years old and for the past two to three years, I have been experiencing soft stools or diarrhea, without abdominal pain or blood in my stool. Sometimes, the stool appears greenish or contains food particles. In April of this year, I underwent an u...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It may be caused by irritable bowel syndrome, diet, or mental stress. If there is a family history of colorectal cancer, you may want to consult a gastroenterologist to evaluate whether an endoscopy is necessary. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Diarrhea: Causes and Concerns for Young Adults
Understanding Chronic Diarrhea: Causes and Concerns for Young Adults
Chronic diarrhea Doctor, I am 27 years old and for the past two to three years, I have been experiencing soft stools or diarrhea without abdominal pain or blood in my stool. Sometimes the stool appears green. In April of this year, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It may be caused by irritable bowel syndrome or dietary and psychological stress. If there is a family history of colorectal cancer, you should consult a gastroenterologist to evaluate whether an endoscopy is necessary. Additionally, there are some endocrine issues, such a...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Diarrhea: Causes and Concerns for Young Adults
Understanding Gastric Polyps and Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Risks
Gastric polyps and familial adenomatous polyposis? Hello, Doctor. I have a question. I undergo gastroscopy every year, and each time the doctor mentions that I have dozens of gastric polyps, which seem to be increasing every year. I have seen some information stating that having ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by the presence of hundreds to thousands of polyps in the colon. Ninety percent of individuals will experience gastrointestinal symptoms before the age of 35, and around the age of 40, th...[Read More] Understanding Gastric Polyps and Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Risks
Understanding Blood-Streaked Mucus in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Large amounts of mucus mixed with blood? Two nights ago, I ate a lot of food, and that night I started experiencing abdominal pain and diarrhea (the stools were soft but formed). The next afternoon, I suddenly began passing stools that contained bloody mucus, and each bowel movem...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
A medical examination can determine the cause, and it is likely to be inflammatory in nature.[Read More] Understanding Blood-Streaked Mucus in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Is It Normal for Stool to Be Thin When Straining to Poop?
Is it normal for stool to be thin and long? I know that in the mid-stages of colorectal cancer, there may be a symptom of thin stools, which makes me a bit anxious. However, since I am experiencing constipation, I am somewhat doubtful if this is a normal occurrence.
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The likelihood of colorectal cancer is very low at your age. There's no need to worry too much; sometimes softer stools can be shaped as they pass through the anus, which may not indicate any issues. However, if you are still concerned, you can consult a pediatric gas...[Read More] Is It Normal for Stool to Be Thin When Straining to Poop?
Understanding Thin Stools: Should You Worry About Colon Cancer?
Stool becomes thin? I have recently noticed that my stools are very thin. I read online that this could be a sign of colon cancer. Sometimes there is mucus, but there is no blood in my stool, and my abdomen feels a bit uncomfortable. Should I consider getting a colonoscopy?
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Given your age, the risk of colorectal cancer is low. It is recommended to maintain a balanced diet and include fruits and vegetables. If you have further questions, you may consult a gastroenterologist. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Understanding Thin Stools: Should You Worry About Colon Cancer?
Understanding Bowel Issues: When to Seek Help for Digestive Health
Bowel-related issues? I used to have pellet-like stools, and I have tried taking probiotics, which sometimes help me have a bowel movement. My lower abdomen often feels bloated and sometimes painful, but the discomfort usually goes away after I have a bowel movement. I haven'...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: You are experiencing bowel movements that are hard and pellet-like, along with bloating and pain despite taking probiotics. The symptoms improve after defecation, but you have noticed dark stools or blood, which raises concerns about colorectal cancer. You are hesitant to ...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: When to Seek Help for Digestive Health
Can Mental Health Medications Alleviate Gastrointestinal Issues?
Issues with psychiatric medications? Hello doctor, if there are polyps in the colon causing persistent abdominal bloating and pain, or if there is gastritis, peptic ulcers, Helicobacter pylori infection, or duodenal ulcers leading to long-term recurrent abdominal bloating and pai...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Medications for gastrointestinal symptoms can be taken.[Read More] Can Mental Health Medications Alleviate Gastrointestinal Issues?
Understanding Bloating: Causes and Treatment Beyond Mental Health Medications
Abdominal bloating issues? Hello doctor, if there are polyps in the colon causing chronic recurrent bloating and abdominal pain, or if there is gastritis, peptic ulcers, Helicobacter pylori infection, or duodenal ulcers leading to chronic recurrent bloating and abdominal pain, an...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If the underlying issues are not addressed, simply taking medications for anxiety, depression, or psychosis will likely not resolve the symptoms. If you are experiencing discomfort, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist for recommendations on treatment or further...[Read More] Understanding Bloating: Causes and Treatment Beyond Mental Health Medications
Understanding Your Bowel Issues: Signs of Potential Colon Cancer?
I would like to inquire about my bowel issues? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my bowel movements. I often have normal stools one day, then diarrhea the next, or I might pass a normal stool followed by diarrhea. Sometimes, I also notice a thin stool that sticks to the toi...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is just irritable bowel syndrome, but I am still concerned about checking for occult blood in the stool.[Read More] Understanding Your Bowel Issues: Signs of Potential Colon Cancer?
Concerns About Bowel Health: Understanding Symptoms and Risks at 29
Bowel issues I have been experiencing hard stools during bowel movements. A few days ago, I noticed a small amount of blood in my stool. Yesterday, I had thin, black stools, and today, while the stools are no longer black, they are still somewhat thin. I'm worried that the t...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, experiencing hard stools with blood, some dark in color, occasionally thin and elongated, and sometimes not smooth raises concerns about colorectal cancer. It is advisable to investigate the cause of blood in the stool. Common causes include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, inf...[Read More] Concerns About Bowel Health: Understanding Symptoms and Risks at 29
Understanding Constipation: When to Worry About Changes in Bowel Habits
Bowel issues Hello Dr. Chen, I have had constipation issues since childhood, having bowel movements approximately every 3-4 days, but I usually experience significant pain before I can go. The initial part of the process requires considerable effort, and my stools are typically ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
No. Drink more water, eat more fruits and vegetables, and walk more for exercise.[Read More] Understanding Constipation: When to Worry About Changes in Bowel Habits
Understanding Blood in Stool: Should You Worry About Cancer?
Rectal bleeding Hello doctor, I am currently a minor and I have noticed blood in my stool. However, I do not experience pain when using the restroom, but there is blood when I wipe. Could this possibly be colorectal cancer or rectal cancer? I am very scared.
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Most cases involve bleeding from internal hemorrhoids. Minimize prolonged sitting and constipation, and seek medical attention if necessary.[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Should You Worry About Cancer?