20 yr old with blood in stool - General Health Message Board

cygoh · 05-23-2009, 09:57 PM

hi all,
am 20 yr old and found blood in stool today. does it mean i have cancer? This started yesterday when I felt that my stool was quite hard so i forced it out and it was quite painful.

vh90453 · 05-24-2009, 12:32 AM

It's highly unlikely to be cancer. There are many causes for blood in the stool, most are not serious. You probably have a small tear from straining. I would still most definitely have it checked by your Doctor.

Kiasmama · 05-24-2009, 08:10 AM

I've had blood in my stool forever.... I have some internal hemorrhoids that get irritated every once in awhile. Or as the above poster said...it's probably a tear from the hard stool. Maybe take some fiber...if you aren't getting enough to keep the stool soft. Go to a doc to make sure though...that's always best.

samantha1985 · 05-25-2009, 05:45 PM

I had the same problem a few days ago. When it first happened, I freaked out, but now I know that for me the problem is constipation. When you squat too hard, you can form a tear in that area and some blood comes out.
When it occurs, I drink lots of water and eat lots of fruit like oranges etc and that helps.
But that is the problem for me, and likely for you too. But, do get it checked out!

tattoogirl · 05-25-2009, 06:37 PM

Bright red blood spotting is usually from a fissure (or small tear). It often takes awhile to heal and can reopen. Hemorrhoids can cause a larger amount of blood and can be very painful. If it continues or hurts a lot you can go to the doctor and they can tie off hemorrhoids which cause them to lose blood supply and shrink. Drink a lot of water and take fiber supplements which will help stool pass easier and alleviate the above problems. A "healthy" stool should form an S shape (shape of intestines) and be fairly easy to pass, not painful. Age and description of your situation doesn't point to cancer.

Didn't say much different then above posters. Like samantha1985...get it checked out. What they do is take a small sample and put it onto this little cardboard sample card (a seracoult) and put a special liquid on it...if the color changes to a blue they will follow-up with further testing. It's quick and easy and will help put your mind at ease.