Question 1

what do pencil stools look like ?

Accepted Answer

Thin and long: Very much like a thick pen/pencil--thin and long and not like normal stools.

Question 2

pls state reasons for pencil stools. most of the days my stools are 2-2.5 cm in diameter and sometimes alternates ?

Accepted Answer

The most common...: When someone present with the complaint of pencil stools the first thing to check for is a colon mass. Another possibility is constipation. In any case, make an appointment with your primary care doctor or a gastroenterologist for immediate evaluation. There are other possibilities but definitely a mass needs to be ruled out.

Question 3

what is pencil stool?
what count as thin stool? what size?

Accepted Answer

"Pencil" stools: refers to the effect of a "circling" cancer of the colon/rectal area...but more frequently is due to Spasm of the lower bowel seen in IBS. If they CONTINUE it needs attention and a "look/see"

Hope this helps!
Dr Z

Question 4

do colon tumurs bleed more as the disease progresses?how long can one have a partial obstruction (pencil stools) before it became totally obstructed?

Accepted Answer

They can: A sign of colon cancer can be microscopic bleeding or visually obvious bleeding. As the tumor gets larger there is a greater tendency to bleed. As the cancer gets larger the passageway of the colon gets narrower and the stool gets more pencil like (more of a feature of a lower lying colon cancer). When the passageway becomes totally blocked, stool (at least formed) can't pass.

Question 5

if 'pencil' stool and 'narrow' stool are signs of colon cancer but exactly how thin of the stool consider as pencil stool or narrow ?

Accepted Answer

Only a descriptive: Term used to describe major changes in ones bowel habits. Size or measurement would not be used. Age 24 would be extraordinarily rare to get colon cancer. Mainly bowel function is based on your diet, and likely need higher fiber diet with fruits and vegetables, avoid junk foods, add metamucil, drink plenty water. See a doctor for an examination.

Question 6

do pencil stools mean i could have an intestinal blockage or cancer?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily: See that you have irritable bowel syndrome. That can also change your stool presentation - they could be longer or more narrow. Please let your doctor know.

Question 7

hi 
i been struggling with bowel problems for few months everyday i keep having pencil stools as well  when i eat my stomach bloats make me not to eat?

Accepted Answer

Multiple causes: Constipation has multiple causes. Small caliber stools could mean a blockage but more commonly in someone older than 28--more like over 40. It looks like you are younger ?? Try to increase fiber in diet and fluids. If problem continues then you will need further evaluation. If there is by chance history of familial polyposis, then need evaluated ASAP.

Question 8

i want to know what is mean by pencil stool because i am having skinny bowel movement but not like pencil size no other symptom just skinny near 1inc?

Accepted Answer

May not be  a proble: This  may be fine. You can discuss this with your physicians  andsee a proctologist or gastroeneterologsit is necessary.

Question 9

paranoid about colon cancer. great grandmother had it at 70. had runny + pencil stool last night. 24 y.o female. should i get a colonoscopy screening?

Accepted Answer

NO: First see your doctor for examination and preliminary tests in office , if indicated will tell you.  Just one relative having colon cancer is not enough to implicate genetics At 24 need to have a definitive indication (s)  for colonoscopy .  .

Question 10

i am having a ct colonography due to chronic constipation & pencil stools. will this show ibd, such as crohn's/colitis as well as colon/rectal cancer?

Accepted Answer

CT resolution : CT examination illustrates the anatomy of a part of the body, the lay of the land. The functionality of the lining of the wall is best illustrated by a colonoscopic exam. Talk to your doc about why he is doing any given exam on you.

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Doctor answers about:

Pencil stools

A member asked:

What do pencil stools look like ?

A member asked:

Pls state reasons for pencil stools. most of the days my stools are 2-2.5 cm in diameter and sometimes alternates ?

A member asked:

What is pencil stool? what count as thin stool? what size?

A member asked:

Do colon tumurs bleed more as the disease progresses?how long can one have a partial obstruction (pencil stools) before it became totally obstructed?

A member asked:

If 'pencil' stool and 'narrow' stool are signs of colon cancer but exactly how thin of the stool consider as pencil stool or narrow ?

A member asked:

Do pencil stools mean i could have an intestinal blockage or cancer?

A member asked:

Hi i been struggling with bowel problems for few months everyday i keep having pencil stools as well when i eat my stomach bloats make me not to eat?

A member asked:

I want to know what is mean by pencil stool because i am having skinny bowel movement but not like pencil size no other symptom just skinny near 1inc?

A member asked:

Paranoid about colon cancer. great grandmother had it at 70. had runny + pencil stool last night. 24 y.o female. should i get a colonoscopy screening?

A member asked:

I am having a ct colonography due to chronic constipation & pencil stools. will this show ibd, such as crohn's/colitis as well as colon/rectal cancer?

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