Question 1

if i have pencil thin stool what does that mean?

Accepted Answer

Abnormal anal canal : If pencil thin stool is going on for more than few days, then you need to see a gastroenterologist or a colorectal surgeon. Physical narrowing of the anal canal or rectum needs to be ruled out.  This could mean a serious problem. So don't delay.

Question 2

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 3

why would i have pencil thin stool after taking milk of magnesium?

Accepted Answer

Stimulants: After a stimulant to move your bowels the stool is released under pressure and this can help.  However if the sphincter is not relaxed then stool is forced out under pressure and it becomes pencil like.   It should be ok however as long as you are not having other problemsl.

Question 4

daughter is 13 eats healthy but not past 2 days today had thin stool not pencil thin but thinner than usual wasn't painful or dark. cause? cancer?

Accepted Answer

Watch it: The narrowing of stool caliber in colon cancer comes on gradually and is consistent. Everybody's bowel movements change considerably from day to do and being overattentive to them is not helpful. If something is obviously wrong and it lasts two weeks or is painful, she should be seen.

Question 5

does having pencil thin stool mean i have colon cancer?

Accepted Answer

For how long?: Anybody can pass a thin one from time to time. If this persists for more than a few days, go in and get a rectal from your physician. It's more worrisome to have the caliber decreasing gradually over time.

Question 6

started having pencil thin stool. i'm really scared! do i have colon cancer?

Accepted Answer

It is concerning: You are correct in being concerned, particularly if this is a change. When the stool gets thinned like you are describing, you are concerned that there is something that is obstructing the normal pathway such as a cancer. You should have this worked up by your physician who may have you do tests like colonoscopy or ct scan.

Question 7

how long can one have a  colon obstruction from cancer (causing pencil thin stool) before it becomes fully obstructed (years, months, weeks?)estimate?

Accepted Answer

Likely weeks?: It depends on too many variables--pt's nutrition, weight, body size, other conditions, speed/aggressivity of the tumor, overall tumor burden, etc. However, this is an indicator of at least locally advanced process and need for oncology management with likely surgical intervention with end-of-life planning just in case things do not go as well as desired.

Question 8

can miralax (polyethylene glycol) cause pencil thin stool?

Accepted Answer

Comcermnng: Miralax (polyethylene glycol)  and other agents used for constipation should not cause pencil thin stools. I am concerned that you are requiring daily constipation medications. You need to see a gastroenterologist who then may proceed with a colonoscopy to make sure you have nothing in your colon that is causing the thin stool and you then need to discuss the issue of constipation.  Please proceed with the GI physician

Question 9

at what point do i need to worry about colon cancer? i've had pencil thin stool for a week now and can't completely empty my bowels.

Accepted Answer

Unlikely at your age: It would be very unlikely for someone of your age to have colon cancer, unless there's a strong family history that would suggest a genetic predisposition for such.  However, with these pencil-thin stools, you may have an infection or inflammation within the colon which needs identification and treatment.   A CT scan and colonoscopy would be in order to investigate this.

Question 10

burning pain after pooping.flat (not pencil thin)stool for 2 months.sometimes blood in poop.doctor did procto and ano test said its fissure and tag.also did colonoscpy report normal.is it anal cancer?.help i m 20 and male.not vaccinated against hpv?

Accepted Answer

Listen to doc: I'm not sure why you are not listening to your doctor. There's a fissure and a tag there. These totally explain the symptoms you are having. Colonoscopy normal - super! Now focus on treating yourself.  You need to get your stools softened, get the tag removed if it hasn't been done, and then your fissure can heal. Fissures can be extremely painful if stools aren't very soft. Get going on treatment

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Doctor answers about:

Pencil thin stool photo

A member asked:

If i have pencil thin stool what does that mean?

A member asked:

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

A member asked:

Why would i have pencil thin stool after taking milk of magnesium?

A member asked:

Daughter is 13 eats healthy but not past 2 days today had thin stool not pencil thin but thinner than usual wasn't painful or dark. cause? cancer?

A member asked:

Does having pencil thin stool mean i have colon cancer?

A member asked:

Started having pencil thin stool. i'm really scared! do i have colon cancer?

A member asked:

How long can one have a colon obstruction from cancer (causing pencil thin stool) before it becomes fully obstructed (years, months, weeks?)estimate?

A member asked:

Can miralax (polyethylene glycol) cause pencil thin stool?

A member asked:

At what point do i need to worry about colon cancer? i've had pencil thin stool for a week now and can't completely empty my bowels.

A member asked:

Burning pain after pooping.flat (not pencil thin)stool for 2 months.sometimes blood in poop.doctor did procto and ano test said its fissure and tag.also did colonoscpy report normal.is it anal cancer?.help i m 20 and male.not vaccinated against hpv?

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