Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 3/10/2005

Question
Hello Dr. Nordquist:
I'm a 37 year old male and in the past three weeks after feeling fatigue, I went to my doctor to have a physical, blood tests were done - my doctor was concern about my low blood count and wanted to have stool samples, he found blood in my stool.  I don't have immediate family history of colon cancer, however, my sister once had some kind of Ulcer.  I had blood in the stool once a while (especially when there was some constipatient). I had a Barium Anemia 6 years ago for the same reason - nothing was found. I'm scheduled to see a Gastroenerologist next week (likely I'll have a Colonoscopy done). Past few days, first I had a tingling and burning sensation  in my lower and upper abdoment, then a day after that, a heavy bloated feeling in my lower abdoment. I don't notice much changes in the size of my stool although there was red blood on the stool and don't really have bowel changing habit. I feel quite fatigue past few days especially after I ate. I've been checking my weight the past few days and no significant changes (I wonder if weight just drops significantly if one was diagnosed with colon cancer?). Can you tell if these symptoms signify colon cancer? Thank you Doctor.

Answer
Every patient with blood in his/her stools should undergo extensive checks to rule out cancer in his/her G-I-tract. Red blood indicates that it comes from somewhere in the bowel (if from the stomach it would be black due to the acid). The best way to do that is with a colonoscopy. Your other symptoms are too vague to give any sure indication of anything but your signs need to be investigated! Good luck!