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Would A CAT SCAN Of The Lower GI Show Rectal

Posted on Tue, 23 Jul 2019

Question: Would a CAT SCAN of the lower GI show rectal cancer ? I had one at the ER this weekend do to blood in the stools and constipation. They also did bloom work and a finger anal exam.

They said the colon looked clean but I forgot to ask about the rectum. I don’t see GI until 9 more days and I still have blood and constipation

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (57 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Depending upon the tumor depth CT colon shows rectal cancer.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Ask A Doctor services.
I have read your query and here is my advise.

* The CT scan of the lower GI does show up rectal cancer when certain depth of wall
invasion is attained by the tumor depending upon the pathology, though early stages
do not reflect any CT finding.

* As mentioning is made regarding the colon, it include rectum.

* Constipation with blood in stool may be profound feature of internal hemorrhoid also.

* I would like to know about the proctoscopy examination result if done which can reveal
the status of internal hemorrhoids very well along with all the symptoms in thorough
details.

Awaiting for your response.
Regards.

Dr Bhagyesh ( MS consultant surgeon )

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (2 hours later)

They did not perform a protoscopy exam at the ER only blood work, a finger exam and the CT Scan

I have been taking Senna+ to help with the constipation but no luck moving my bowls.

I assume I will have to wait until I see the GI Doc in 9 days to get other test How long is it safe to go without a bowl movement?

Thank you for your previous answer, I assume if there was a rectal tumor large enough to cause a blockage it would have shown in the CT?

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
must get bowel movement , can not wait for 9 days sir.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome for the follow up.

* Any significant size rectal tumor definitely show up on finger examination as well as CT
scan, so do not fear of for the same.

* So far as the issue with constipation is concerned, a long term with held of bowel
movements do harm intestine ( not advisable to wait for bowel movement till 9 days of
gastro visit )and so apart from senna you must
- drink more liquids
- if possible to get from chemist without prescription, 2 glycerine suppositories to be
kept inside the anal canal help best to relieve the stool which many times become
hard to get evacuated with senna.
- raise intake of fiber with green leafy veg, cereals, pulses, legumes, organic fresh
fruits.
- remain ambulatory and engage in regular exercises.
- avoid smoking if consuming at present.

Do feel free to discuss further regarding the case.
Wish you best recovery.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (1 hour later)

Thank you. Very helpful

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
most welcome

Detailed Answer:

Welcome anytime.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee