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Are Brown To Black Stools, And Pain In The Lower Abdomen Suggestive Of Cancer?
Question: What does it I indicate to have brown stools with half of it black, and lower stomach pain as well as sometimes a yellow brown discharge. Should I be concerned it could be cancer?
Brief Answer:
Some investigation required.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for query,
A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool, that lasts for more than a few days are initial sign of any cancer related to intestines.However color of stool has very less significance in most of the diagnosis.Green brown to almost black (but not tarry black stools which are suggestive of blood) are normal.
However as lower stomach pain with discharge is some times there few base line tests like stool routine and microscopy,stool for occult blood and fecal calprotectin test should be done initially.
A probiotic and antispasmodic should be taken for few days until we have test results with us.
As per query regarding cancer is concerned chances are quiet low.
Have you ever had a colonoscopy done? After the age of 50, it is recommended that all people should have a colonoscopy every 5-10 years. Even if you have had this test in the last 5 years it might be recommended to repeat it .
Hope my answer was helpful.
Take care
Dr. Ramesh Kumar
Some investigation required.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for query,
A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool, that lasts for more than a few days are initial sign of any cancer related to intestines.However color of stool has very less significance in most of the diagnosis.Green brown to almost black (but not tarry black stools which are suggestive of blood) are normal.
However as lower stomach pain with discharge is some times there few base line tests like stool routine and microscopy,stool for occult blood and fecal calprotectin test should be done initially.
A probiotic and antispasmodic should be taken for few days until we have test results with us.
As per query regarding cancer is concerned chances are quiet low.
Have you ever had a colonoscopy done? After the age of 50, it is recommended that all people should have a colonoscopy every 5-10 years. Even if you have had this test in the last 5 years it might be recommended to repeat it .
Hope my answer was helpful.
Take care
Dr. Ramesh Kumar
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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