Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 7/27/2007

Question
I am a 43 year-old female. My father died 3 years ago from colon cancer. That same year, I had a colonoscopy done -- the doctor found several polyps, one which was pre-cancerous (although very, very small and early).

Fast-forward to about a month ago. I became very constipated. Felt the urgency to go, but nothing but a little gas resulted. Tried every laxative, stool softener, suppository available OTC -- these always produced cramping and a little stool, but not much.

I have always had small hemmroids just inside the anus; however they rarely made an appearance. Now, they are always "out", and even the slightest strain pushes them out further. It feels like something is completely blocking everything (even liquid) from coming out.

During several of these need-to-go-but-can't times, I found bright red blood on the toilet paper, and coffee grounds, dark blood, and mucous in the toilet.

I know everything is pointing to hemmroids, but can they flare up to this level suddenly? And is there ever a case where a cancer diagnosis is made even though there is a clean colonoscopy 3 years ago?  

Answer
With your family history and your own medical history you should have a colonoscopy check up at least once per year! It is very probable that your present problem is due to hemorrhoids! But we do not KNOW that! Let a dr. check you soonest including colonoscopy!