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Medical Question related to FOBT and Colonscopy?

(4 posts)

  1. Walton
    Member

    I'm 27, in good health (I THINK, at least according to a recent physical) but for a while now noticed periodic blood streaking when wiping...Not much, and not visible in toilet, but maybe on the first wipe...I wanted to be a bit dissmissive at first thinking it was due to large stool, but after a while I thought I needed to address it, not being a "one time" occurence.

    So I went to the doctor, and had a fecal occult blood test which was positive - only one of six samples has to show blood to constitute a positive as you probably know - and now have an apppointment with a specialist on Monday (likely colonoscopy to follow same week.)...I'm trying not to let my anxiety get the best of me, but by nature, I'm not very good with that...I have somewhhat large stools, no pain, and no other symptoms really except slight itchiness...I eat spicy food daily, but the GP didn't think it was gastric in nature because blood was bright red...

    I don't have a true "history" of colon issues in my family...One member had colon cancer, another polyps, but both at a much later age (one in 50s, one in 70s) ...

    Can anyone tell me what I might be looking at ? Just want opinions of those with some experience, I'm obviously keeping my appointment either way....

    Posted 2 years ago #

  2. Belliger
    Member

    Best Answer

    Hello,

    I think occasional, streaking, bright-red blood on the first wipe, - with some itching, and no other symptoms, good general health, - adds up most likely to piles, (haemorrhoids).

    The faecal occult blood test showed up no more than you knew already, - that you were getting some blood from your bottom. It would have been surprising if such a sensitive test *hadn't* shown blood.

    In fact, a FOB test detects visible and non-visible blood coming from anywhere in the lower half of bowel, from the start of the colon onwards, - that's (in order), - the ascending colon, the transverse colon, the descending colon, the sigmoid colon, the rectum, the anal canal, and the anus itself.

    Here's an illustrative picture of that, ... http://www.iobbnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/73294359.jpg

    Because bleeding from your bottom is rather non-specific, it is good that you're having it investigated. Inflammatory and infective disease, (ulcerative colitis, traveller's tropical diarrhoea, etc.), as well as cancer of the inside lining, can cause some blood loss. But ai your age, my bet is still on piles. That is common at your age; cancer is not. 'Piles' accounts for all your symptoms.

    I hope this is of some help.

    Best wishes,

    Belliger
    retired uk gp

    Posted 2 years ago #

  3. Niesa
    Member

    Yeah, you should consult experts about it. Colon cancer rarely or doesn't show signs of it until it is already on the late stage. Having fresh blood on your stool maybe a sign not unless you have other anal disease. It would be best for you to check your diet and avoid spicy and acidic foods.

    Posted 2 years ago #

  4. fototag
    Member

    I think Belliger summed it up for you so I gave him a thumbs up.

    Posted 2 years ago #

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