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Is Recurrent Diarrhea When Suffering From Crohn's Disease Suggestive Of Colon Cancer?
Question: Yes, please. I have history of Crohn's Disease since 1988. I have had a few symptoms and one abcess during this time. I had surgery to drain the abscess in 1988. I have been having constant diarhea for a while. Would this be a serious side effect or a possibly sign of cancer of the colon
Brief Answer:
acute crohns or food intolerance more likely but still need assessment
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is understandable to be concerned about any change in bowel habits.
Diarrhea is a possible symptom of colon cancer but it is not a common symptom. It is most likely with a lesion/mass on the right side of the colon rather than the left side.
If you are finding problems with foods then it is possible that your symptoms may be related to intolerance to these foods or an acute flare up of crohns.
With your history of Crohns ,either an acute flare up or intolerance is more likely than cancer though this would still have to be ruled by examination and tests.
It would be best to see your doctor for an assessment with would likely include a colonoscopy if you have not had one recently.
If you had a recent colonoscopy (within 1 to 2 yrs) which did not show any cancer, this makes it even less likely
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
acute crohns or food intolerance more likely but still need assessment
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is understandable to be concerned about any change in bowel habits.
Diarrhea is a possible symptom of colon cancer but it is not a common symptom. It is most likely with a lesion/mass on the right side of the colon rather than the left side.
If you are finding problems with foods then it is possible that your symptoms may be related to intolerance to these foods or an acute flare up of crohns.
With your history of Crohns ,either an acute flare up or intolerance is more likely than cancer though this would still have to be ruled by examination and tests.
It would be best to see your doctor for an assessment with would likely include a colonoscopy if you have not had one recently.
If you had a recent colonoscopy (within 1 to 2 yrs) which did not show any cancer, this makes it even less likely
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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