Question 1

what is a pencil cell?

Accepted Answer

Altered red cell: These are long, slender, small red blood cells that for some reason form in the presence of true iron deficiency, less so in anemias with small red cells that have other causes. They actually look like hot-dogs and don't have pencil-points, .

Question 2

pencil shaped stool: could this indicate bowel cancer?

Accepted Answer

Possible: A rectal cancer could be a cause of decreased caliber stool, but there are others, so  you need to seek an immediate physical exam, starting with the most basic technique, the digital rectal exam. Your doctor can guide you, but seek help.

Question 3

i've been getting worm-shaped(not pencil thin) thin stools along with normal ones today, all of them are type 4 on stool chart is this natural?

Accepted Answer

Thin Stool: Is this the first time this happens to you? Do you have pain or bleeding with bowl movements? Any family history or colon issues?  If this is something that continues or you answered yes to any of the questions you need to see a gi.

Question 4

my mole is dark in pigment and it is oval shaped even boarders. no bigger than a pencil eraser. what concerns me is the pigmentation. very dark ?

Accepted Answer

See  a dermatologist: what you describe dosent sound like a malignant melanoma which is your concern however its easy to have a term examine it. In all likelihood if its as you describe they will tell you nothing to worry about or do .Malignant melanomas are odd shaped , one half docent match the other, the color varies,. I would simply get it examined

Question 5

constipation for 4 wks and can only go after taking milk of mag. my stool is pencil thin and weird shaped. feels like i am not emptying bowels fully. ?

Accepted Answer

See your doc: This has gone on long enough to be concerning, especially if it is new. See your doc as soon as possible.  Drink fluids, light exercise might help. Stop any new supplements you may have started recently.  If you have fever, abdominal pain, vomiting or  any other concerning symptons, to your Doc or ER.

Question 6

what is the recommended removal procedure for squamous cell carcinoma the size of a pencil eraser? it appeared suddenly about 2 months ago and was diagnosed last week.

Accepted Answer

This : This depends on type of squamous cell and location.  Read more about squamous cell carcinoma and treatment options at the link below.  I hope that helps!

Question 7

for over a year i have had messy peanut butter like bowel movements now pencil shaped also a good amount of mucas at times. what could be going on ?

Accepted Answer

Alteration in stool: Inflammation, infection, ibs may cause abdominal discomfort, altered /alternating stool pattern, +/- nausea, bloating, gasiness. Often improved by stooling, ibs is defined by changes in perception of gut distension, motility, sensation. Diet &amp;emotional stress play significant roles here in patients with ibs, but first rule out inflammation, ischemia, &amp; infection, malabsorption/maldigestion, cancer

Question 8

58 year old female.pain in lower left stomach and pencil shaped stools. in past diagonised with diverticulites. could be colon cancer?

Accepted Answer

Diverticulitis : The pain and change in caliber of the stools could point to a diverticulitis-related stricture. It is less likely you have colon cancer, unless there is a strong family history. Of course, a colonoscopy and possibly other studies can best determine the cause of  the symptoms you described. Make an appointment with a gastroenterologist for a thorough evaluation.

Question 9

all day my farts burned and smelt like rotten eggs. i finally had 2 bowel movements that was normal but also smelt like rotten eggs, then another one shortly after that which was sudden, small pencil thin shaped. what could this be?

Accepted Answer

Dietary factor?: If this is completely new &amp; there is no diarrhea, it sounds suspicious for a dietary cause: are there any new/different foods?  If not, perhaps a medication or supplement? Or major change in stress leading to irritable bowel?  If it persists more than a few days see Dr for eval. 
You could also try probiotics

Question 10

i have been having pencil shaped bowel movements with very bad smell, frequent bowel movements and stomach pain. should i be concerned?

Accepted Answer

See a doctor: If you are describing that you are already concerned of changes in your bowel habits, then yes, you should have your concerns evaluated by a doctor or gastroenterologist. Needs a physical examination and maybe colonoscopy or x-ray evaluation.

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Doctor answers about:

Pencil shaped cells

A member asked:

What is a pencil cell?

A member asked:

Pencil shaped stool: could this indicate bowel cancer?

A member asked:

I've been getting worm-shaped(not pencil thin) thin stools along with normal ones today, all of them are type 4 on stool chart is this natural?

A member asked:

My mole is dark in pigment and it is oval shaped even boarders. no bigger than a pencil eraser. what concerns me is the pigmentation. very dark ?

A member asked:

Constipation for 4 wks and can only go after taking milk of mag. my stool is pencil thin and weird shaped. feels like i am not emptying bowels fully. ?

A member asked:

What is the recommended removal procedure for squamous cell carcinoma the size of a pencil eraser? it appeared suddenly about 2 months ago and was diagnosed last week.

A member asked:

For over a year i have had messy peanut butter like bowel movements now pencil shaped also a good amount of mucas at times. what could be going on ?

A member asked:

58 year old female.pain in lower left stomach and pencil shaped stools. in past diagonised with diverticulites. could be colon cancer?

A member asked:

All day my farts burned and smelt like rotten eggs. i finally had 2 bowel movements that was normal but also smelt like rotten eggs, then another one shortly after that which was sudden, small pencil thin shaped. what could this be?

A member asked:

I have been having pencil shaped bowel movements with very bad smell, frequent bowel movements and stomach pain. should i be concerned?

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