What are the main causes of flat stool. How can you treat flat stool at home. When should you see a doctor for flat stool. What is the connection between internal hemorrhoids and flat stool. How does diet affect stool consistency. What are the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. How can you differentiate between benign causes of flat stool and more serious conditions.

Understanding Flat Stool: Causes and Characteristics

Flat stool, characterized by its square or string-like appearance, can be a cause for concern for many individuals. While occasional changes in stool consistency are normal, persistent flat stools may indicate underlying health issues. Understanding the causes and characteristics of flat stool is crucial for maintaining digestive health.

What does flat stool look like?

Flat stool differs from normal, rounded feces in several ways:

• Square or ribbon-like shape
• Thin or string-like appearance
• May be accompanied by loose stools or diarrhea
• No specific color or frequency

Changes in stool shape can often be attributed to dietary modifications or temporary digestive issues. However, if flat stools persist for an extended period, it may be indicative of a more serious condition.

Common Causes of Flat Stool

Several factors can contribute to the development of flat stool. Understanding these causes can help individuals identify potential health issues and seek appropriate treatment.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder affecting approximately 12% of the U.S. population. It results from a disruption in the communication between the gut and brain, leading to various digestive symptoms.

How does IBS affect stool consistency?

• Causes abdominal pain
• Alters bowel movement patterns
• May result in diarrhea, constipation, or both
• Can produce a variety of stool types, including flat or ribbon-like stools

Constipation

Constipation is a common digestive issue that can lead to the formation of flat, stringy stools. It often occurs due to insufficient fiber intake, which is essential for adding bulk to the stool.

How does constipation contribute to flat stool?

• Reduces stool bulk
• Makes stools harder to pass
• Results in thinner, flatter stool consistency

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

BPH is a condition characterized by an enlarged prostate gland in men. While it primarily affects urination, it can also impact bowel movements and stool consistency.

How does BPH affect stool shape?

• Prostate enlargement can compress the rectum
• May cause constipation
• Can result in changes to stool shape, including flat or ribbon-like stools

Colorectal Cancer and Flat Stool: Understanding the Connection

While rare, persistent flat or thin stools can sometimes be an indicator of colorectal cancer. This occurs when a tumor grows in the colon, obstructing the normal passage of stool.

Are there other symptoms associated with colorectal cancer?

• Rectal bleeding
• Unexplained weight loss
• Difficulty emptying the bowels
• Changes in bowel habits

It’s important to note that colorectal cancer may not always present noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Regular screenings and consultations with a healthcare provider are crucial for early detection and treatment.

Other Potential Causes of Flat Stool

Several other conditions can affect stool movement through the colon, potentially resulting in flat or ribbon-like stools:

• Colon polyps
• Fecal impaction
• Hemorrhoids
• Rectal ulcers
• Abdominal hernias

These conditions can cause narrowing or obstruction in the intestinal tract, leading to changes in stool shape and consistency.

Home Remedies and Treatments for Flat Stool

Managing flat stool often involves addressing the underlying cause. However, several home remedies and lifestyle changes can help improve stool consistency and overall digestive health.

Dietary Modifications

Making changes to your diet can significantly impact stool consistency and shape:

• Increase fiber intake through whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
• Consume fruits and vegetables with their skins when possible
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Consider incorporating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and kefir

Lifestyle Changes

Certain lifestyle modifications can promote better digestive health:

• Increase physical activity to stimulate bowel movements
• Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or journaling
• Maintain a regular bowel movement schedule

Probiotics and Supplements

Some individuals may find relief from flat stool by incorporating probiotics or other dietary supplements:

• Probiotic supplements containing live microorganisms
• Fiber supplements to add bulk to stools
• Stool softeners or laxatives (under medical supervision)

It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

When to See a Doctor for Flat Stool

While occasional changes in stool consistency are normal, persistent flat or thin stools may warrant medical attention. Consider consulting a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Prolonged episodes of flat or ribbon-like stools
• Unexplained weight loss
• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
• Severe abdominal pain or cramping
• Persistent changes in bowel habits
• Difficulty passing stools

A healthcare provider can perform necessary tests and examinations to determine the underlying cause of flat stools and recommend appropriate treatment options.

The Connection Between Internal Hemorrhoids and Flat Stool

Internal hemorrhoids, while not a direct cause of flat stool, can contribute to changes in stool consistency and shape. These swollen blood vessels in the lower rectum and anus can affect bowel movements in several ways:

How do internal hemorrhoids impact stool shape?

• May cause straining during bowel movements
• Can lead to incomplete evacuation of the bowels
• May result in changes to stool consistency, including flat or ribbon-like stools

Internal hemorrhoids can also cause other symptoms that may be mistaken for more serious conditions:

• Rectal bleeding
• Itching or irritation in the anal area
• Pain or discomfort during bowel movements
• A feeling of fullness in the rectum

If you suspect you have internal hemorrhoids and are experiencing persistent flat stools, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Preventing Flat Stool: Dietary and Lifestyle Strategies

While not all causes of flat stool can be prevented, adopting certain dietary and lifestyle habits can promote healthy bowel movements and reduce the likelihood of experiencing persistent flat or ribbon-like stools.

Dietary Strategies

Incorporating the following dietary habits can help maintain healthy stool consistency:

• Consume a balanced diet rich in fiber (aim for 25-30 grams per day)
• Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes
• Stay hydrated by drinking adequate water throughout the day
• Limit processed foods and excessive caffeine intake
• Consider including fermented foods with probiotics in your diet

Lifestyle Modifications

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits can significantly impact digestive health:

• Engage in regular physical activity (aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily)
• Practice stress-management techniques like meditation or yoga
• Avoid holding in bowel movements when the urge arises
• Establish a regular toilet routine
• Avoid excessive use of laxatives or enemas

By implementing these dietary and lifestyle strategies, you can promote overall digestive health and reduce the likelihood of experiencing persistent flat stools.

Diagnostic Procedures for Identifying Causes of Flat Stool

When persistent flat stools are a concern, healthcare providers may recommend various diagnostic procedures to identify the underlying cause. These tests can help rule out serious conditions and guide appropriate treatment strategies.

Common diagnostic procedures for flat stool

• Physical examination and medical history review
• Stool sample analysis
• Blood tests to check for inflammation or infection
• Imaging studies such as CT scans or MRI
• Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy for direct visualization of the colon
• Anorectal manometry to assess muscle function in the anus and rectum

The specific tests recommended will depend on individual symptoms, medical history, and risk factors. It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for diagnostic procedures to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Long-term Management of Conditions Causing Flat Stool

For individuals with chronic conditions that contribute to flat or ribbon-like stools, long-term management strategies may be necessary. These approaches often involve a combination of medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, and ongoing monitoring.

Management strategies for chronic conditions

• Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers
• Adherence to prescribed medications or treatments
• Dietary modifications tailored to the specific condition
• Stress management techniques
• Pelvic floor exercises or physical therapy when appropriate
• Regular screenings for complications or related conditions

Working closely with a healthcare team can help individuals develop an effective long-term management plan for conditions that contribute to persistent flat stools.

The Impact of Medications on Stool Consistency

Certain medications can affect digestive function and potentially contribute to changes in stool consistency, including the development of flat or ribbon-like stools. Understanding these potential side effects is crucial for individuals taking regular medications.

Medications that may affect stool consistency

• Antidepressants
• Iron supplements
• Calcium channel blockers
• Opioid pain medications
• Certain antacids
• Some blood pressure medications

If you suspect that your medications are contributing to persistent flat stools or other digestive issues, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider. Never stop or adjust medication dosages without medical supervision.

The Role of Gut Microbiome in Stool Consistency

The gut microbiome, composed of trillions of microorganisms living in the digestive tract, plays a crucial role in overall digestive health and stool consistency. Imbalances in the gut microbiome can contribute to various digestive issues, including changes in stool shape and consistency.

How does the gut microbiome affect stool?

• Aids in the breakdown and absorption of nutrients
• Produces short-chain fatty acids that nourish colon cells
• Helps regulate bowel movements
• Influences the water content of stools
• Supports the immune system in the gut

Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome through diet, lifestyle, and potentially probiotic supplementation can contribute to improved stool consistency and overall digestive health.

Psychological Factors and Their Impact on Bowel Function

The connection between the brain and gut, often referred to as the gut-brain axis, can significantly influence digestive function and stool consistency. Psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to changes in bowel habits, including the development of flat or ribbon-like stools.

How do psychological factors affect bowel function?

• Alter gut motility and transit time
• Influence the production of digestive enzymes and hormones
• Affect the gut microbiome composition
• Contribute to symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• May exacerbate existing digestive conditions

Addressing psychological factors through stress management techniques, therapy, or counseling can be an important component of managing digestive issues and promoting healthy stool consistency.

The Importance of Hydration in Maintaining Healthy Stool Consistency

Proper hydration plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy stool consistency and preventing issues such as constipation or flat stools. Water is essential for softening stool and facilitating its movement through the digestive tract.

How does hydration affect stool consistency?

• Helps soften stool, making it easier to pass
• Supports the absorption of water in the large intestine
• Aids in the digestion and absorption of nutrients
• Helps prevent constipation and hard, dry stools
• Supports overall digestive health and function

Ensuring adequate daily water intake, along with consuming water-rich foods, can significantly contribute to maintaining healthy stool consistency and preventing digestive issues.

The Role of Exercise in Promoting Healthy Bowel Movements

Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining digestive health and promoting normal bowel function. Exercise can help prevent constipation, regulate bowel movements, and contribute to overall gut health.

How does exercise benefit digestive health?

• Stimulates intestinal contractions, promoting bowel movements
• Reduces transit time of stool through the colon
• Helps alleviate stress, which can impact digestive function
• Supports a healthy body weight, reducing the risk of digestive issues
• May positively influence the gut microbiome

Causes, Home Treatment, When to See a Doctor

Flat poops can happen due to changes in your diet. Some health conditions, including constipation, can cause long or flat poop. If unexplained changes last a few days, consider talking with a doctor.

Changes in stool consistency and color aren’t uncommon based on what you’ve recently eaten. Sometimes, you may notice that your poop appears especially flat, thin, or string-like. Usually, this variation isn’t cause for worry, and your poop will return to its “normal” appearance shortly after.

However, there are times when consistently flat poops may indicate a more concerning underlying condition. Keep reading to find out what they may be.

A lot of times, your poop looks a lot like your intestines. It’s slightly rounded and lumpy. Flat poop isn’t round. Instead, it’s square or string-like in appearance. Sometimes, you have flat poop along with very loose stool that may include diarrhea.

Flat poop doesn’t have a specific color or frequency. You may notice you experience more flat poops when you’ve changed your diet (such as eaten less fiber). Other times, you may see flat poop in the toilet bowl and can’t link it back to anything you did or didn’t eat.

Here’s what flat poop may look like:

Sometimes, your poop is flat and there’s no underlying cause. Just as your poop can be pebble-sized or different colors, flat poops may be one of the variations you occasionally see. However, if you start having flat poops more often, it may be due to one of the following causes.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder that occurs due to an interrupted function of your gut and brain. IBS can cause abdominal pain as well as bowel movement changes that include diarrhea, constipation, or both. Those with IBS may experience a variety of stool types, ranging from very large poops to flat ones.

An estimated 12 percent of people in the United States have IBS, so this condition can be a common cause of flat poops and other stool changes.

Constipation

Constipation can be a common cause of flat stool that is usually stringy in consistency. Constipation can occur when you don’t get enough fiber in your diet to add some extra bulk to your stool. As a result, your stool may be thinner, flat, and more difficult to pass.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Sometimes, the cause of flat stool isn’t the intestinal tract itself but something around it. This is the case for benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. This condition causes the male prostate gland to enlarge. The prostate is positioned just in front of the rectum and below the bladder.

While BPH more commonly affects urination (such as a weak stream when peeing), some people do have symptoms related to passing stool, such as constipation and stool changes like flat poop.

Colorectal cancer

Although rare, it’s possible that thin stool can indicate colon cancer. This is because a tumor may grow in the colon that keeps your stool from moving through in its normal shape.

While colorectal cancer doesn’t always cause a lot of symptoms in its earliest stages, it can also lead to symptoms including rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or problems emptying your stool.

Other possible causes

Flat poop may also be due to any condition that may affect how stool moves through or exits the colon. Examples include:

• colon polyps
• fecal impaction
• hemorrhoids
• rectal ulcers

Even abdominal hernias can cause enough narrowing of stool movement so that stool may appear flat.

Treatments or remedies for flat poop depend upon what caused your poop to be flat in the first place. Your doctor may recommend keeping a food journal and noting when you have significant stool changes so you can identify the potential foods and drinks that may cause your stool to appear flat.

Other interventions are the same as those commonly used to treat constipation and IBS. Examples include:

• increasing fiber intake by eating more whole grains as well as fruits and vegetables with the skins on whenever possible
• drinking plenty of water to make stools easier to pass
• increasing physical activity, which can help increase stool movement through the body
• taking steps to reduce stress whenever possible, through meditation, journaling, listening to soft music, deep breathing, or other stress-relieving interventions

Some people may also find their stools appear more normal in size when they take probiotics. These are supplements that contains live microorganisms similar to the ones that naturally live in your digestive tract. Probiotics are also present in foods with live and active cultures, such as yogurt and kefir. That said, check the labels before buying to make sure as not all of these foods contain them.

Pencil-thin poop isn’t always cause for concern but you should see your doctor if you are experiencing flat poop and have any of the following symptoms:

• blood in your stool or on the toilet paper
• changes in the consistency of your stool, such as increasing diarrhea
• changes in the frequency of your bowel movements, such as going more or less often
• feeling like you aren’t fully emptying your stool every time
• high fever
• stomach pain or cramping

If you have consistently flat stools for three days or more, it may be time to call your doctor.

Flat poops happen. It’s important to pay attention to any other symptoms you may be experiencing, such as abdominal pain or constipation, to understand the potential cause.

If you’re worried your flat poops could be due to an underlying condition, call your doctor to get checked out. Your doctor may also be able to make recommendations that can help your stool take on a more expected appearance.

Causes, Home Treatment, When to See a Doctor

Flat poops can happen due to changes in your diet. Some health conditions, including constipation, can cause long or flat poop. If unexplained changes last a few days, consider talking with a doctor.

Changes in stool consistency and color aren’t uncommon based on what you’ve recently eaten. Sometimes, you may notice that your poop appears especially flat, thin, or string-like. Usually, this variation isn’t cause for worry, and your poop will return to its “normal” appearance shortly after.

However, there are times when consistently flat poops may indicate a more concerning underlying condition. Keep reading to find out what they may be.

A lot of times, your poop looks a lot like your intestines. It’s slightly rounded and lumpy. Flat poop isn’t round. Instead, it’s square or string-like in appearance. Sometimes, you have flat poop along with very loose stool that may include diarrhea.

Flat poop doesn’t have a specific color or frequency. You may notice you experience more flat poops when you’ve changed your diet (such as eaten less fiber). Other times, you may see flat poop in the toilet bowl and can’t link it back to anything you did or didn’t eat.

Here’s what flat poop may look like:

Sometimes, your poop is flat and there’s no underlying cause. Just as your poop can be pebble-sized or different colors, flat poops may be one of the variations you occasionally see. However, if you start having flat poops more often, it may be due to one of the following causes.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder that occurs due to an interrupted function of your gut and brain. IBS can cause abdominal pain as well as bowel movement changes that include diarrhea, constipation, or both. Those with IBS may experience a variety of stool types, ranging from very large poops to flat ones.

An estimated 12 percent of people in the United States have IBS, so this condition can be a common cause of flat poops and other stool changes.

Constipation

Constipation can be a common cause of flat stool that is usually stringy in consistency. Constipation can occur when you don’t get enough fiber in your diet to add some extra bulk to your stool. As a result, your stool may be thinner, flat, and more difficult to pass.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Sometimes, the cause of flat stool isn’t the intestinal tract itself but something around it. This is the case for benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. This condition causes the male prostate gland to enlarge. The prostate is positioned just in front of the rectum and below the bladder.

While BPH more commonly affects urination (such as a weak stream when peeing), some people do have symptoms related to passing stool, such as constipation and stool changes like flat poop.

Colorectal cancer

Although rare, it’s possible that thin stool can indicate colon cancer. This is because a tumor may grow in the colon that keeps your stool from moving through in its normal shape.

While colorectal cancer doesn’t always cause a lot of symptoms in its earliest stages, it can also lead to symptoms including rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or problems emptying your stool.

Other possible causes

Flat poop may also be due to any condition that may affect how stool moves through or exits the colon. Examples include:

• colon polyps
• fecal impaction
• hemorrhoids
• rectal ulcers

Even abdominal hernias can cause enough narrowing of stool movement so that stool may appear flat.

Treatments or remedies for flat poop depend upon what caused your poop to be flat in the first place. Your doctor may recommend keeping a food journal and noting when you have significant stool changes so you can identify the potential foods and drinks that may cause your stool to appear flat.

Other interventions are the same as those commonly used to treat constipation and IBS. Examples include:

• increasing fiber intake by eating more whole grains as well as fruits and vegetables with the skins on whenever possible
• drinking plenty of water to make stools easier to pass
• increasing physical activity, which can help increase stool movement through the body
• taking steps to reduce stress whenever possible, through meditation, journaling, listening to soft music, deep breathing, or other stress-relieving interventions

Some people may also find their stools appear more normal in size when they take probiotics. These are supplements that contains live microorganisms similar to the ones that naturally live in your digestive tract. Probiotics are also present in foods with live and active cultures, such as yogurt and kefir. That said, check the labels before buying to make sure as not all of these foods contain them.

Pencil-thin poop isn’t always cause for concern but you should see your doctor if you are experiencing flat poop and have any of the following symptoms:

• blood in your stool or on the toilet paper
• changes in the consistency of your stool, such as increasing diarrhea
• changes in the frequency of your bowel movements, such as going more or less often
• feeling like you aren’t fully emptying your stool every time
• high fever
• stomach pain or cramping

If you have consistently flat stools for three days or more, it may be time to call your doctor.

Flat poops happen. It’s important to pay attention to any other symptoms you may be experiencing, such as abdominal pain or constipation, to understand the potential cause.

If you’re worried your flat poops could be due to an underlying condition, call your doctor to get checked out. Your doctor may also be able to make recommendations that can help your stool take on a more expected appearance.

Sigmoidoscopy (rectoscopy) of the rectum and colon. Preparation for rectoscopy.

Sigmoidoscopy (rectoscopy) is the instrumental and most accurate method for examining the inner surface of the anus, rectum and colon. With the help of rectoscopy, intestinal diseases such as hemorrhoids, polyps, bleeding, inflammation and tumors can be recognized at an early stage.

Rectoscopy comes from the name rectum (rectum) and skopeo (observe).

According to the World Health Organization, every year on our planet about 1 million people fall ill with rectal cancer, and almost 600 thousand people cannot be saved from this terrible disease. The trouble is that most often the disease is detected at a late stage. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to systematically visit a proctologist and, on his recommendation, undergo rectoscopy of the intestine.

Rectoscopy is performed by inserting an endoscope through the anus into the rectum.

In the multidisciplinary clinic “MedicCity” you will be able to undergo diagnostics on new generation devices, which are distinguished by high accuracy of examination. Intestinal sigmoidoscopy is performed using the KARL STORZ device from the world’s leading manufacturer of modern medical equipment.

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KARL STORZ rectoscope

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KARL STORZ rectoscope

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KARL STORZ rectoscope

KA rectoscope RL STORZ consists of a hollow metal tube equipped with lighting and optical systems, as well as an air supply device. The rectoscope kit includes metal tubes of different diameters.

Bowel rectoscopy can examine the intestinal mucosa at a distance of 20-25 cm from the anus, as well as the sigmoid colon.

Types of rectoscopy:

Anoscopy

Anoscopy uses a small tube called an anoscope for diagnosis. Thanks to him, you can inspect the area of ​​​​the last 5 cm of the anal canal. The examination can be carried out at any time, special bowel cleansing is not required for this.

Proctoscopy

Proctoscopy is performed to examine the condition of the rectum. Using a proctoscope, consisting of a hose 8-15 cm long and a magnifying optical system, the proctologist can see the anus and the area of ​​the lower intestine. Before proctoscopy, you need to drink a laxative or take an enema to clear the intestines.

Sigmoidoscopy

Sigmoidoscopy allows you to examine the sigmoid colon, collect material for biopsy and detect colon cancer at an early stage. For this study, a light, long and flexible hose is used – a sigmoidoscope. Before the examination, you should follow a diet consisting of broth and liquid for 1-2 days.

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Device preparation for rectoscopy

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Device preparation for rectoscopy

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Device preparation for rectoscopy

Device preparation for rectoscopy 9 0033

Rectoscopy is effective if the intestines are cleaned correctly and thoroughly. On the eve of the rectoscopy, the patient can have lunch, and in the evening it is advisable to drink only liquids: water, tea, juices, compote.

You can clean the intestines from stool using an enema (water at room temperature, volume up to 2 liters), which should be done in the evening before going to bed. And 3 hours before the rectoscopy, it is recommended to carry out 2 more enemas.

Our clinic recommends using the combined laxative preparation Microlax to cleanse the intestines before rectoscopy of the rectum.

How rectoscopy is performed

For ease of rectoscopy, the patient is asked to lie on their side or kneel on their elbows. This position is convenient because the patient’s abdominal wall is most relaxed, and it is easier to move the endoscope tube from the rectum to the sigmoid. The endoscopist carefully monitors that the tube does not rest against the wall of the intestine, but moves freely along the lumen. In order for the walls of the intestine to straighten out, and to better see the observed picture, they begin to pump air into the intestine with the help of a special device.

The rectoscope is inserted to a depth of 25-30 cm, there are divisions on the tube to make it easier for the doctor to track: how far the device is inserted and in what area there are polyps, neoplasms of the mucous membrane, etc.

The sigmoidoscope can be used to insert special instruments to perform mini-surgeries (eg removal of polyps) or to collect material for examination.

If “suspicious areas” are found in the intestine, a biopsy of the altered mucosa is performed.

Rectoscopy usually takes 5 to 15 minutes, but if surgery is required (removal of polyps, for example), then a little longer.

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Preparing the Machine for Rectoscopy

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Preparing the Machine for Rectoscopy

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Preparing the Machine for Rectoscopy

Why Rectoscopy Is Necessary intestines

Sigmoidoscopy is used both for diagnosis and for various manipulations – diagnostic (for example, biopsy followed by histological examination) and therapeutic (for example, polypectomy, resection of benign neoplasms of the rectum, injections of various drugs).

Indications for sigmoidoscopy:

The study is indicated for proctitis , irritable bowel syndrome, chronic non-ulcerative colitis, non-specific ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease.

In our center, the study is carried out by highly qualified coloproctologists using the latest, best-in-class rectoscope from the world-famous manufacturer – the German company KARL STORZ.

Highly qualified coloproctologists use sigmoidoscopy to diagnose all pathological conditions of the rectum, in particular diseases of inflammatory origin (proctitis), benign neoplasia (polyps, adenomas), as well as malignant neoplasms.

The examination is painless and well tolerated by patients.

In the clinic “MedicCity” you can undergo the following types of examinations in proctology: anoscopy, colonoscopy, fistulography, sigmoidoscopy. The price is average for the capital. You can see the cost of these procedures here.

Reviews about rectoscopy and other proctological procedures you can read and leave on this page.

Coloproctologist on how to avoid bowel cancer > Rubric Medicine in Samara

Not everyone is ready to immediately tell a specialist about an intimate problem, such as pain in the intestines, unstable stools and bleeding. However, inaction can be fatal.

More than half a million cases of colon and rectal cancer are registered annually in the world, and their number is increasing. We talked about the prevention of intestinal diseases with the chief freelance coloproctologist of the Ministry of Health of the Samara Region Andrey Zhuravlev .

— Andrey Vyacheslavovich, what diseases does a coloproctologist treat?

– Many people think that we deal exclusively with hemorrhoids. Yes, this is one of the most common diseases in our practice. According to statistics, about 140 people out of 1,000 adults suffer from it. However, coloproctologists also help patients with oncological, inflammatory bowel diseases: ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, benign tumors of the colon.

[vrezka color=”#FFFFFF” bgcolor=”#7a97ad” image=”” image_mode=”” bgfixed=”” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=””]Hemorrhoids are one of the most common diseases in our practice. According to statistics, about 140 people out of 1,000 of the adult population suffer from it. What is it connected with?

— Colon and rectal cancer is an extremely urgent problem of modern oncology. In Russia, this disease is in third place after lung and stomach cancer in men, breast and skin cancer in women. Moreover, 20 years ago, he held the sixth position. Colon and rectal cancer is most common in people over the age of 50. Men are affected more often than women.

Most patients have an advanced stage when they first see a doctor. This reduces treatment options and life expectancy. The most important task of doctors is early diagnosis, since in the initial stages there are more chances for success.

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— What provokes the development of oncology?

– No one knows the exact causes of malignant neoplasms, but there are a number of predisposing factors that increase the risk of their development. Firstly, they include precancerous diseases – ulcerative colitis, familial colon polyposis. Secondly, hereditary predisposition plays a huge role. Colon cancer is caused by a mutation of genetic material in 5 percent of cases. Thirdly, you need to pay attention to nutrition: fried foods, meat lead to an increase in the risk of developing a tumor, and plant foods reduce them.

Health is also affected by bad habits – alcohol and smoking increase the likelihood of bowel cancer by 30-40 times. Another provoking factor is chronic diseases of the digestive system.

[vrezka color=”#FFFFFF” bgcolor=”#7a97ad” image=”” image_mode=”” bgfixed=”” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=””] Colon and rectal cancer most often affects people over the age of 50. Men are affected more often than women.

— If a blood relative has been diagnosed with bowel cancer, the person should have a colonoscopy as early as 40 years of age. For everyone else who does not have such a hereditary risk, it is recommended to examine the intestines after 45-50 years. The procedure is painful, so doctors use special anesthesia. A specialist can examine the patient’s intestines in 15 minutes.

— What provokes the development of hemorrhoids? Who is at risk?

– Almost every third inhabitant of the planet has to deal with painful bumps in a delicate place. There are various reasons that contribute to the stagnation of blood in the venous plexuses. If stagnation occurs frequently and regularly, then the walls of the veins gradually lose their elasticity, deform, and a protrusion of a separate section occurs. This is how an external or internal hemorrhoid is formed. Symptoms of the onset of the disease are itching, burning, soreness in the anus and blood.

The causes leading to the onset of the disease most often lie in the way of life. Lack of physical activity, malnutrition, hard physical work are dangerous. In addition, in women, hemorrhoids can occur during pregnancy, childbirth or lactation.

Athletes are not immune from disease either. They are at risk. It would seem that blood stasis does not threaten them, but heavy weight exercises provoke hemorrhoids at least.

— What should be done to reduce risks?

– Physical exercise, running, dancing, swimming and even the most ordinary walking improve blood circulation in the lower body and disperse congestion in the small pelvis. In addition, you need to remember about nutrition. It should be based on cereals, vegetables, fruits and lean meats. Be sure to consume fresh dairy products every day. Dried fruits are useful in winter. For good bowel function, it is important to drink enough water – a liter or a half a day. Smoked, spicy and spicy dishes loved by many also provoke the disease. They cause excessive blood flow to the pelvic organs, and in the presence of hemorrhoidal bumps, this creates conditions for inflammation and exacerbation.

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– Can hemorrhoids cause cancer?

– Scientists have not identified a direct relationship between these diseases. However, in the presence of hemorrhoids, other pathologies can develop – benign neoplasms. They can develop into malignant ones.

By the way, oncology of the rectum is similar in its manifestations to hemorrhoids, but there are nuances by which they can be differentiated, namely, by the nature of rectal bleeding. In cancer, the blood is darker in color. Sometimes its selection cannot be seen with the naked eye. In such cases, a fecal occult blood test is performed.

With hemorrhoids, the shape and nature of the feces do not change. The growth of the tumor leads to a change in the shape of the feces, which becomes thin or ribbon-like. Cancer patients have symptoms of cancer intoxication: weight loss, fever, lack of appetite, pallor of the skin, abdominal pain.

[box type=”warning” align=”” class=”” width=””]Bad habits also affect health – alcohol and smoking increase the likelihood of colon cancer by 30-40 times.[/box]

— Does it happen that patients wait until the last moment and do not want to go to the doctor until the disease worsens? What can you advise such people?

– The situations that lead to hemorrhoids have long been known and studied.