Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Constant Diarrhea And Dark Stool After A Colonoscopy?
Question: There is a history of colon cancer (my Father) in my family. I have a colonoscopy as recommended by my gastroenterologist. I had a scope done in August just one year after my previous scope because of a constant diarrhea. Everything was good. Now a five weeks later I am having a black diarrhea that has some solid looking coffee grounds along with the diarrhea. Should this be a concern?
Thank you for your professional answer!
Thank you for your professional answer!
Brief Answer:
You need some blood tests and might require colonoscopy
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
1) Coffee ground colored stool suggests episode of bleeding inside intestine before few days. Even such stool quantity may be small but actual bleeding episode might be large
2) History of colon cancer in first-degree relative and presence of blood in stool mandates colonoscopy to confirm any suspicious lesion which might be source of bleeding
3) Also you should check tumor marker for colon cancer (blood CEA level) and hemoglobin level (to assess severity of blood loss)
4) First step is to stabilize the patient if blood loss was severe (hemoglobin level <7gm%) then only colonoscopy is done
5) If you are taking any medication for blood to make thin ( Tab. Aspirin) then there is possibility that intestinal ulcer might bleed. As you have already done colonoscopy twice before and could not reveal any tumor it would be unlikely that this episode is from tumor in intestine.
6) There is possibility of specific bacterial infection to intestine which might cause bleeding episode in intestine and diarrhea (severe stage) along with abdominal pain
Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help
You need some blood tests and might require colonoscopy
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
1) Coffee ground colored stool suggests episode of bleeding inside intestine before few days. Even such stool quantity may be small but actual bleeding episode might be large
2) History of colon cancer in first-degree relative and presence of blood in stool mandates colonoscopy to confirm any suspicious lesion which might be source of bleeding
3) Also you should check tumor marker for colon cancer (blood CEA level) and hemoglobin level (to assess severity of blood loss)
4) First step is to stabilize the patient if blood loss was severe (hemoglobin level <7gm%) then only colonoscopy is done
5) If you are taking any medication for blood to make thin ( Tab. Aspirin) then there is possibility that intestinal ulcer might bleed. As you have already done colonoscopy twice before and could not reveal any tumor it would be unlikely that this episode is from tumor in intestine.
6) There is possibility of specific bacterial infection to intestine which might cause bleeding episode in intestine and diarrhea (severe stage) along with abdominal pain
Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
