Dull ache in lower left abdomen, ultrasound shows no cysts. Could this be colon cancer ?
Patient: ok so about a month ago I started getting a dull aching in my lower left abdomen, that was pretty constant. The I went out of town on vacation and the pain got worse. So I went to emergency and the did an ultrasound to check for ovarian cysts and It was negative. the pain went back down to its normal dull aching and I returned home from my vacation. Still having the normal dull aching on lower left side ( which also does radiate to middle and back). Well today I woke up and I had blood on the toilet paper after having a bowel movement and happened 2 other times today. So I went back to emerg and the did blood work, x-rays and urine and everything came back negative. The doctor is sending me for a scope of my bowels but I have to wait a couple weeks first. I have been researching my symptoms and colon cancer keeps popping up so now I am beyond scared that is what I have. I should mention there was also a little mucous in my stool as well. I am 34 years old and mother of 3...could I really have colon caner or what other problems could it be from the symptoms I have described??? Doctor: Hello and welcome to HCM,Blood and mucus in stools can occur in number of conditions.Cancer of the bowel is one of the possibilities.However, other conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerations, polyps can also cause these symptoms.Colonoscopy of the large bowel will help to visualize the bowel and identify any lesion.A biopsy of the lesion will identify the pathological change.Malignancy is accompanied by weight loss, decrease in appetite, and weakness.Loss of blood in stools causes fall in hemoglobin and thus anemia.A complete hemogram also needs to be done.Thanks and take careDr Shailja P Wahal