How does bowel movement change in colorectal cancer? | Bowel movement

How does bowel movement change in colorectal cancer?

In the early stages of colorectal cancer, there is often no noticeable effect on bowel movements. Only in the advanced stage do changes occur. A classic symptom of colorectal cancer is alternating constipation and diarrhea.

Blood in the stool can also be an indication of colorectal cancer. Blood in the stool can also have numerous other causes. In any case, however, a clarification should be made by a doctor. In addition to these complaints, others can also occur, such as a feeling of fullness despite little food or cramp-like abdominal pain. Pain during bowel movement is also possible, depending on the location of the cancer in the bowel.

Where can you have your bowel movements examined?

Bowel movements can be examined for various things. Standard examinations such as a haemocult test (examination of the stool for blood) can be carried out by your family doctor. A stool sample can be given to him, which he then sends to the laboratory for further tests. The specialist for the intestines is the gastroenterologist. The general practitioner can refer you to him for further necessary examinations, such as a colonoscopy.

What is a stool transplantation?

In stool transplantation, stool from a healthy donor is transferred into the intestine of another donor by means of capsule or endoscopy. Recipients of stool are persons who have an impaired intestinal flora. The method was developed to rebuild a more stable intestinal flora after an inflammation of the intestine with the bacterium Clostridium difficile.

After an infection with Clostridium difficile, the intestinal flora is reduced in its diversity and susceptible to new infections. The field of application of stool transplantation is currently being expanded. Stool transplants carry hardly any risks. For the donor of the stool, preference is given to persons who are related to the recipient or live in the same domestic environment.