HomeAnswersMedical Gastroenterologyblood lossI noticed blood in stool. Is this due to piles or cancer?

I noticed blood in stool. Is this due to piles or cancer?

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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.

Answered by

Dr. Noushif. M

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At June 28, 2018
Reviewed AtDecember 1, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

While passing motion just some time back, I noticed blood in the stool and immediately I wiped my anus area with a tissue. There was a good quantity of blood (bright red color) and few stools also were red in color. I wiped off the anus and completed my bowel movement. The rest of the motion went smoothly and there was no more blood (the motion color was dark brown). I have external piles for a few years now. There is mild swelling around the anus. There is no pain in the stomach or lower abdomen or near the anus.

My concerns:

  1. Did this blood come due to piles?
  2. Should I get worried about colon or stomach cancer?
  3. Will this blood in the stool keep occurring?
  4. How to treat this issue?
Answered by Dr. Noushif. M

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The clinical picture looks typical of bleeding from piles. This is unlikely due to cancer. Do not worry. However, to make to be sure, you need to consider a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.

This blood comes whenever pressure happens on the pile mass, usually when you have hard stools or when you strain at stools.

So, your primary aim should be to avoid these two. You need to avoid constipation at any cost. Dietary measures persistently and medicines as and when necessary will definitely help you.

For more information consult a medical gastroenterologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/medical-gastroenterologist

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thanks for the clarifications. Few more questions. Two weeks back, I had loose motion due to food infection. I had visited the GP and at the same time, I showed my piles also. The doctor said that there is piles, but they are now in sleeping mode or nonactive. I would need a confirmation that this is not related to cancer. Could you please comment on the same?

Answered by Dr. Noushif. M

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The only way for confirmation is colonoscopy, which I would definitely recommend.

For more information consult a medical gastroenterologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/medical-gastroenterologist

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

After the initial incident of noticing blood while passing the stool more than a week back, there were no more similar incidents since then. But now I am noticing that my stool color is dark brown most of the times. For example, when I pass stool in morning the color is light brown at the start of the bowel and at the end, the color of stool is dark brown. I just had a bowel movement now, the stool was dark brown entirely.

I am not having upper or lower abdomen pain or vomit. I have these questions.

  1. Is the change in my stool color a serious issue?
  2. Is there any major disease underlying this symptom?
  3. Is there a home remedy to cure this?
Answered by Dr. Noushif. M

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

These color changes are not pathological and happen often. You need to be concerned if the color is black/tarry or contains blood. It does not look anything so major from the current symptoms. No house remedies too.

The only way by which we can make sure of the absence of serious illness is a colonoscopy.

Improve your diet and hydration.

For more information consult a medical gastroenterologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/medical-gastroenterologist

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

What is the procedure for a colonoscopy? Is it a painful one? How should I get prepared for a colonoscopy procedure? What diet should I follow?

Answered by Dr. Noushif. M

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You can approach a nearby surgeon or gastroenterologist who performs the procedure. You need to have a liquid diet for two to three days. Have to get bowel preparation done the previous day.

The procedure is done under sedation. It is not a painful one.

For more information consult a medical gastroenterologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/medical-gastroenterologist

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Due to stomach bloating and irregular bowel movement issue which I had for two weeks, I had been to the doctor. The doctor performed endoscopy and found out that I have Erythematous gastritis and have provided medication. I have attached the endoscopy report and the prescription. My doubts are as follows.

Is Erythematous gastritis common issue? What would have caused this issue in me? Is this curable? Will it result in any future life-threatening problem?Are the medications provided are right?

Answered by Dr. Noushif. M

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It is just simple gastritis. It is a disorder which has resulted from hyperacidity. It might be provoked by some of the food contents. Nothing to worry.

This is a very common thing. It is curable but may reappear if precipitating factors hit again. It is not life threatening. The medicines prescribed are good for this and I would suggest to continue them.

For further doubts consult a medical gastroenterologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/medical-gastroenterologist

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

I got a few more questions. May I know whether, apart from the erythematous gastritis issue, the rest of my stomach and lower and upper intestines are normal right? Do these medications have any side effects because I have mild pain in my lower abdomen? I am unsure if it is due to body heat or the medicine. How much time does erythematous gastritis take to heal completely? Should I avoid any food that may worsen the condition? Kindly suggest.

Answered by Dr. Noushif. M

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The whole intestine was not examined by the endoscopy you have done. Your symptoms do not mandate that. However, if symptoms are persisting further investigations for guts need to be done, especially contrast CT abdomen for small.intestine and colonoscopy (endoscopy through the anus) for large intestines. There are no significant side effects of the medicines which you are on now. It takes 2 to 3 weeks for gastritis to settle completely. Need to avoid excess spicy, masala based and fatty/oily stuff. Avoid keeping the stomach empty for prolonged periods.

For further doubts consult a medical gastroenterologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/medical-gastroenterologist

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

After your phone consultation last week and following your attached medication, the stomach bloating issue has been resolved. But now, I feel lower belly pain near the pelvic area at the urine bladder. At the same time, I feel the urge to urinate. This symptom does not always happen. Also, I get these issues from 4 to 5 PM after lunch. I want to know if this pain is due to the clearing of an ulcer in the stomach? As I have been on medication for almost two weeks, I still pass stool four times. Kindly help me with this situation.

Answered by Dr. Noushif. M

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The pain does not look like it is related to an ulcer. Also, the stool frequency does not look worrisome. However, I suggest you to observe for another couple of weeks. If the symptoms worsen, I suggest you to consider getting an abdominal scan.

I hope this has helped you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

I had the ultrasound scan done today to be on the safe side. The scan results are normal. I had tender coconut in the morning, which resolved the pain. So, the lower belly and pelvic pain are nothing to worry about, right? Also, I have attached the scan report for your reference. Kindly suggest your opinion.

Answered by Dr. Noushif. M

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The scan report looks fine (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). However, I suggest you to keep a close watch on the symptoms for the next month. We need to evaluate if the symptoms persist or if new symptoms appear. Otherwise, we can leave it as it is.

I hope this has helped.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My stomach bloating has reduced drastically after taking Pantop 40 daily once in the morning. And the lower belly and pelvic pain also did not occur again. However, I have observed one new symptom for a week during lunch. After consuming lunch, there is acute, mild pain in the belly below the ribcage. Also, I feel abdominal gas and cramping, with a mild stomach burning sensation near the belly button. It lasts for one to two hours after my lunch. These symptoms only occur during lunchtime or while having my lunch. And not during breakfast, dinner, or having a snack. In addition, my stools are normal, with no blood in my stools, no fever, and vomiting. Is this something to worry about? Should I continue the same medication for a longer time? I have attached my old prescription for your reference. Kindly give me your opinion.

Answered by Dr. Noushif. M

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, I suggest you to continue the medicines for two more weeks. Then, just watch whether any of the ingredients you have for lunch is triggering the symptoms you experience. However, there is nothing to worry about.

I hope this has helped you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My one-month course on the medication will be completed by the end of this month. I did not take the Pan 40 mg tablet for four days as I ran out of tablets. Today I experienced gastric symptoms like stomach rattling for the entire day and had bowel movements four times. However, I have a few questions. Why has this stomach rattling issue reoccurred when I stopped taking the tablets? And I am worried about why has gastritis not healed completely after some much of medication? Also, will another endoscopy will be required to analyze this issue further? Should I continue these tablets for a few more days? In addition, I have not eaten outside food nor had alcohol since last month. Kindly suggest your opinion.

Answered by Dr. Noushif. M

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, I suggest you can get an endoscopy repeated if the symptoms are persistent. But also, dietary modifications and general measures need to be followed. However, mild symptoms or occasional symptoms can be ignored.

I hope this has helped you.

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

Dr. Noushif. M
Dr. Noushif. M

Surgical Gastroenterology

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