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What Causes Blood In Stool?
Question: blood in stools 4 times. father died from colon cancer when he was 55
Brief Answer:
Suggested detailed clinical evaluation keeping in mind your family history
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. Though bleeding in stools is usually from benign causes, it is important to consider a detailed clinical evaluation in your case, especially because you have a family history of colon cancer which your father had.
2. At first it is suggested that you consult your doctor, preferably a surgeon and get examined to make a probable clinical diagnosis. If it is something like hemorrhoids then it will be obvious on clinical examination.
3. If there is a suspicion of a cancer like condition then your doctor will recommend detailed imaging like colonoscopy, ultrasound scan and CT scan abdomen and pelvis. These investigations will help in picking up any early intraluminal or extraluminal problem areas in the bowel and the ultrasound is required for assessment of abdominal organs.
4. Your doctor can also recommend basic investigations like blood work up including assessment for CEA which is a tumor marker for colon cancer in blood and a chest x ray.
5. Please stay relaxed and get detailed evaluation done and hopefully your condition is probably benign. Even if it is found to be suspiciously malignant then early detection makes cancers treatable and many patients are cured from the disease.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Suggested detailed clinical evaluation keeping in mind your family history
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. Though bleeding in stools is usually from benign causes, it is important to consider a detailed clinical evaluation in your case, especially because you have a family history of colon cancer which your father had.
2. At first it is suggested that you consult your doctor, preferably a surgeon and get examined to make a probable clinical diagnosis. If it is something like hemorrhoids then it will be obvious on clinical examination.
3. If there is a suspicion of a cancer like condition then your doctor will recommend detailed imaging like colonoscopy, ultrasound scan and CT scan abdomen and pelvis. These investigations will help in picking up any early intraluminal or extraluminal problem areas in the bowel and the ultrasound is required for assessment of abdominal organs.
4. Your doctor can also recommend basic investigations like blood work up including assessment for CEA which is a tumor marker for colon cancer in blood and a chest x ray.
5. Please stay relaxed and get detailed evaluation done and hopefully your condition is probably benign. Even if it is found to be suspiciously malignant then early detection makes cancers treatable and many patients are cured from the disease.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Answered by
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