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What Causes Persistent Diarrhea?

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Posted on Thu, 11 Dec 2014
Question: i know that i have to go for a colonoscopy because of persistent diahrea i am so scared. if a tumor is found, what will be done next? e mail YYYY@YYYY
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (32 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
diarrhea is not a symptom of cancer

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

It is understandable to be scared about any procedure but colonoscopy is typically very safe with no complications.

The main worry when having colonoscopy is the possibility of detection of cancer. Typically cancer does not cause diarrhea. It would cause constipation because the mass (the cancer) would be blocking and preventing the passage of stool.

The typical symptoms of colon cancer are constipation, blood in stool, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weight loss

Colonscopy is done in persons with diarrhea to look for any evidence of inflammation (not infection related inflammtion) of the colon.

If for some reason that a suspicious area is seen, a biopsy would be done . This means that they would take a small sample of the area and it would sent to the lab.
There the techs would be able to determine the exact nature of any changes.

Summary: (1) typically cancer causes blockage and constipation not diarrhea
(2)if any abnormal changes seen, a biopsy would be done of the area
(3)it is a safe procedure

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Causes Persistent Diarrhea?

Brief Answer: diarrhea is not a symptom of cancer Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic It is understandable to be scared about any procedure but colonoscopy is typically very safe with no complications. The main worry when having colonoscopy is the possibility of detection of cancer. Typically cancer does not cause diarrhea. It would cause constipation because the mass (the cancer) would be blocking and preventing the passage of stool. The typical symptoms of colon cancer are constipation, blood in stool, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weight loss Colonscopy is done in persons with diarrhea to look for any evidence of inflammation (not infection related inflammtion) of the colon. If for some reason that a suspicious area is seen, a biopsy would be done . This means that they would take a small sample of the area and it would sent to the lab. There the techs would be able to determine the exact nature of any changes. Summary: (1) typically cancer causes blockage and constipation not diarrhea (2)if any abnormal changes seen, a biopsy would be done of the area (3)it is a safe procedure I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions