Thin stools do not automatically mean cancer
. But if they last a long time and if going to the bathroom is difficult for you, your doctor may order a colonoscopy to rule it out.
What causes thin stools besides cancer?
Bacterial, parasitic or viral infection of the gastrointestinal tract
.
Diverticulitis
(inflammation of an abnormal pocket in the colon) Fecal impaction (hard stool that is difficult to pass) Inflammatory bowel disease (including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis)
What does stool look like if you have colon cancer?
Usually, the stools (poop) of the patients with colon cancer may have the following characteristics: Black poop is a red flag for cancer of the bowel. Blood from in the bowel becomes dark red or black and can make poop stools
look like tar
. Such poop needs to be investigated further.
Can thin stools be normal?
Answer From Michael F. Picco, M.D. Narrow stools that
occur infrequently probably are harmless
. However in some cases, narrow stools — especially if pencil thin — may be a sign of narrowing or obstruction of the colon due to colon cancer.
What are the early warning signs of bowel cancer?
- A persistent change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool.
- Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool.
- Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain.
- A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely.
- Weakness or fatigue.
What does poop look like with diverticulitis?
Blood in the
stool can be bright red, maroon in color, black and tarry
, or not visible to the naked eye. Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Rectal bleeding also can be a symptom of other diseases or conditions such as: Anemia.
How do you rule out colon cancer?
Colonoscopy
: Colonoscopy is the best procedure to check for colorectal polyps and cancer. Colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure in which a physician uses a long, flexible scope (called a colonoscope) to view the rectum and entire colon. During the procedure, polyps can be removed and tested for signs of cancer.
What is considered narrow stool?
Stringy poop
may also be referred to as stools that are pencil-thin, ribbon-like, thin, or narrow. Normal stool is about one to two inches in diameter. Stringy poop is narrow and, in some cases, almost flat, giving it a stringy appearance.
Can diverticulitis cause thin stools?
In chronic diverticulitis, inflammation and infection may go down but never clear up completely. Over time, the inflammation can lead to
a bowel obstruction
, which may cause constipation, thin stools, diarrhea, bloating, and belly pain
Can hemorrhoids cause thin stools?
Protruding masses from the rectum or anus are most commonly due to
hemorrhoids
, a type of dilated blood vessels.
How long can you have bowel cancer without knowing?
Colon cancer is typically slow-growing, starting as a benign polyp that eventually becomes malignant. This process may occur
over many years
without producing any symptoms. Once colon cancer has developed, it may still be years before it is detected.
Do you feel ill with bowel cancer?
The symptoms of bowel cancer
can be subtle and do not necessarily make you feel ill
. However, it’s worth trying simple treatments for a short time to see if they get better.
Does colon cancer show up in blood work?
No blood test can tell you if you have colon cancer
. But your doctor may test your blood for clues about your overall health, such as kidney and liver function tests. Your doctor may also test your blood for a chemical sometimes produced by colon cancers (carcinoembryonic antigen, or CEA).
What does poop look like with pancreatitis?
When pancreatic disease messes with the organ’s ability to properly manufacture those enzymes, your
stool looks paler and becomes less dense
. You may also notice your poop is oily or greasy. “The toilet water will have a film that looks like oil,” Dr. Hendifar says.
What does poop look like with celiac disease?
Diarrhea. Although people often think of diarrhea as watery stool, people with celiac disease sometimes simply have
stools that are a bit looser than usual
– and more frequent. Typically, diarrhea associated with celiac disease occurs after eating.
Are bananas good for diverticulosis?
High fiber
foods include: Fruits, such as tangerines, prunes, apples, bananas, peaches, and pears. Tender cooked vegetables, such as asparagus, beets, mushrooms, turnips, pumpkin, broccoli, artichokes, lima beans, squash, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
