HomeAnswersMedical Gastroenterologyblood in stoolsI noticed a small amount of blood in my stool. Please help.

Can inflammatory bowel disease or colon cancer manifest as blood in stools?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At April 10, 2024
Reviewed AtApril 10, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I noticed a small amount of blood in my stool. The blood was not bright in color, meaning that it was not due to hemorrhoids or anal fissures, and I am uncertain whether it may be related to consuming pomegranate juice two days ago. Can diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or colon cancer manifest with occasional blood in the stool rather than being a persistent symptom?

Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Ghulam Fareed

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

1. Inflammation bowel disease and colon cancer did not present as occasional per rectal bleeding. Usually, symptoms are relatively prolonged. There is mucus and blood mixed with mucous in inflammatory bowel disease, and colon cancer is relatively uncommon in young individuals, especially when you do not have a family history of colon cancer.

2. You can check your stool test, and it will differentiate whether there was actual blood or food-related stool discoloration.

3. Red flags signs are a family history of colon cancer or inflammation, bowel disease, unintentional weight loss, persistent per rectal bleeding, the feeling of mass or lump in the abdomen, etc.

4. Avoid red-colored foods or drinks for a while, add probiotics to your diet, and get your stool test done if you notice red color again.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thanks for the reply.

What do you mean by a feeling of mass or lump in the abdomen? I usually feel like there is something right below my rib cage in the middle, but my doctor told me that it is stress-related as I also have a history of anxiety. I also have a lot of stomach gas for some reason. As I mentioned earlier, I had a gastroscopy about seven to eight months ago, and I had a slight inflammation in the duodenum. I did a biopsy as well, and I treated it after.

Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Ghulam Fareed

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

A doctor can check any mass or lump on a physical examination, if your doctor has done your abdominal examination, there was no lump in your case. If you have a history of anxiety, do not overthink about this issue. This will only trigger health-related anxiety. Minor inflammation on endoscopy is widespread and can be treated with simple acid suppressing medicine.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Ghulam Fareed
Dr. Ghulam Fareed

Medical Gastroenterology

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