Resolved question:
I am having abdominal problems for last three months.Symptoms are stomach pain, loss of apetite,blackish stool.Currently I am taking Ayurvedic treatment.The problems have relieved a bit but not completely cured. Also have lost weight quite an amount during this period. What may be the probable causes? Are these symptoms of colon cancer?
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Gastroenterologist, Medical
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query at DoctorSpring.com. I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.
Blackish stool indicates bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract.
Stomach pain, loss of appetite and upper GI bleed in a 22 year old may indicate peptic ulcer disease. An upper GI endoscopy may be done for confirmation.
The most common cause is H.pylori infection. So you should get tested for H.pylori infection.
NSAID (painkillers) is another cause for peptic ulcer disease. So you should try to avoid painkillers.
Also avoid smoking and drinking ( if you have these habits).
No, these are not symptoms of colon cancer.
I hope that answers your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.
What is the cause of weight loss?Is the weight loss related to the H.pylori infection? I have undergone severe weight loss in this period.One more thing is that my stool in neither solid nor too liquid something in between(in this period)
Hi,
H.pylori does not cause weight loss unless and until it causes cancer. If you have lost more than 10% of your body weight in 6 months time and if it was not intentional, then it is significant weight loss and needs thorough investigation.
Infection, malabsorption, hormone issues, malignancy are some of the causes of weight loss.
You can discuss with your doctor about these possibilities and get appropriate tests done.
Please let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr.R.K
What is the probability that it will cause cancer? The problem of blackish stool and stomach pain have reduced only the stool quality has remained as I mentioned previously.
I would re-iterate what I suggested before -
Although, H.pylori is known to cause stomach cancer, but given your age the possibility of cancer is very less.
The semisolid stool could be due to infection or malabsorption or could be even due to irritable bowel syndrome.
A stool test and test for celiac disease may be done first. A colonoscopy may be done after that to look for causes in the colon.
Regards