Can inflammatory bowel disease or colon cancer manifest as blood in stools?

Question

Hi doctor,

I noticed a small amount of blood in my stool. The blood was not bright in color, meaning that it was not due to hemorrhoids or anal fissures, and I am uncertain whether it may be related to consuming pomegranate juice two days ago. Can diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or colon cancer manifest with occasional blood in the stool rather than being a persistent symptom?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

1. Inflammation bowel disease and colon cancer did not present as occasional per rectal bleeding. Usually, symptoms are relatively prolonged. There is mucus and blood mixed with mucous in inflammatory bowel disease, and colon cancer is relatively uncommon in young individuals, especially when you do not have a family history of colon cancer.

2. You can check your stool test, and it will differentiate whether there was actual blood or food-related stool discoloration.

3. Red flags signs are a family history of colon cancer or inflammation, bowel disease, unintentional weight loss, persistent per rectal bleeding, the feeling of mass or lump in the abdomen, etc.

4. Avoid red-colored foods or drinks for a while, add probiotics to your diet, and get your stool test done if you notice red color again.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

A doctor can check any mass or lump on a physical examination, if your doctor has done your abdominal examination, there was no lump in your case. If you have a history of anxiety, do not overthink about this issue. This will only trigger health-related anxiety. Minor inflammation on endoscopy is widespread and can be treated with simple acid suppressing medicine.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.