Question 1

i have small pebble shaped stool? this started 2 weeks ago what should i do? i go to the bathroom once everyday.

Accepted Answer

Constipated...: Even though you have a daily bowel movement, it sounds like you are somewhat constipated. Increasing your fluid intake can really help. Also increasing fiber rich foods can help. A trial of over the counter MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol) can help soften stools. It can be titrated to get a good stool consistency. The only side-effect is too loose stool.

Question 2

what is the reason behind ribbon shaped stool?

Accepted Answer

Here's a link...: http://www.newhealthguide.org/Flat-Stool.html.  Any accompanying symptoms that suggest something more serious than Irritable Bowel Syndrome here?

Question 3

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 4

i have narrow oval shaped stool softer in consistency. im really freaked out its somthing like a tumor or polyp. i had lower left and upper left full abdominal ache but it went away just now have the oddly shaped stool and nervous.

Accepted Answer

IBS: I understand that you are concerned about a change in your bowels..Considering your age, your anxiety about the condition, the cycling of the symptoms, and the upper left abdominal ache ( which could represent gas accumulation), all suggest Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS, although more information is necessar.The most definitive test to reassure you would, of course, be a colonoscopy...Dr.Wellner

Question 5

increased bowel movmnts, gas.oval shaped stool no blood.aches radiate between lower/upper left abd.  can also be felt on left side. dull but annoying.  started week ago.colon cancer makes me nervous read there is a huge increase my age. very stressed?

Accepted Answer

What huge increase?: Haven't heard of any huge increase in colon cancer in people in their early to mid-20's. Probably 0.5-1.0% of all the colon cancers in the country are in people aged 20-25 years. Overall, psychological stress surely causes much more health damage than those rare colon cancer cases added together. Do keep exercising, get 3 servings of dairy and eat less than 3 oz red meat a day, never smoke, etc...

Question 6

im concerned about stool shape/caliber. the first half is normal (round like a banana, normal diameter, slightly bumpy) but the 2nd half is like a squashed sausage (between flat and round). normal color. no pain. stool is very soft.
is this normal?

Accepted Answer

Stool calibre: I don't see anything serious here. You may have a type of irritable bowel syndrome where intestinal activity varies from sluggish (forming firmer,lumpy stool)  to more active intestinal peristalsis causing looser,flatter stools on a day to day basis. Are you aware of any foods that trigger loose stools? If you still have concerns, consult a gastroenterologist for evaluation and advice.

Question 7

does hemorrhoid has anything to do with my stool shape?

Accepted Answer

It could.: A large hemorrhoid could change the shape of the stool as it passes through the lower portion of the rectum and anal canal.

Question 8

my dad ( 50 years old)  has had changes in his stool shape. what are the chances of changes in stool shape being colon cancer?

Accepted Answer

Possible: The clinical indications of a tumor growing in the distal bowel or simoid/rectosigmoid region is the appearance of blood, or narrowing of stool.  Since the terminal large bowel  functions to completely remove water from the GI tract, the initial site being cecum/rt. colon, if a tumor is obstructing lumen, the stool becomes narrowed.  One requires colonoscopy to confirm source of problem.

Question 9

i am 22 and scared i might have cancer i dont have any symptoms as far on and off constipation and consistency of my stool/shape i did a fecal occult test was negative . my stool has been looking narrower than usually mostly everytime i poop?

Accepted Answer

: Cancer of the GI tract is rare in 22-year old females, depending on family history. However, you should consider having a complete evaluation by a gastroenterologist. There are a number of possibilities in regards to a diagnosis meeting the description you provide. A GI doctor would likely order other tests or procedures to narrow down the possible causes of your bowel issues.

Question 10

what's the ideal stool shape in terms of the width? mine are normal color, loose but still formed/solid but they're not quite round across the diameter. they look like a poorly drawn circle for the diameter. is this due to lack of fiber or water?

Accepted Answer

None: Your stool per your description is likely normal. You may want to check Bristol stool chart that describes types of stool on consistency. The shape reflects many times the bowels circumference and that is not meant to be perfectly round. If any symptoms related to your digestion make sure you mention it to your doc.

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Doctor answers about:

S shaped stool

A member asked:

I have small pebble shaped stool? this started 2 weeks ago what should i do? i go to the bathroom once everyday.

A member asked:

What is the reason behind ribbon shaped stool?

A member asked:

Pencil shaped stool: could this indicate bowel cancer?

A member asked:

I have narrow oval shaped stool softer in consistency. im really freaked out its somthing like a tumor or polyp. i had lower left and upper left full abdominal ache but it went away just now have the oddly shaped stool and nervous.

A member asked:

Increased bowel movmnts, gas.oval shaped stool no blood.aches radiate between lower/upper left abd. can also be felt on left side. dull but annoying. started week ago.colon cancer makes me nervous read there is a huge increase my age. very stressed?

A member asked:

Im concerned about stool shape/caliber. the first half is normal (round like a banana, normal diameter, slightly bumpy) but the 2nd half is like a squashed sausage (between flat and round). normal color. no pain. stool is very soft. is this normal?

A member asked:

Does hemorrhoid has anything to do with my stool shape?

A member asked:

My dad ( 50 years old) has had changes in his stool shape. what are the chances of changes in stool shape being colon cancer?

A member asked:

I am 22 and scared i might have cancer i dont have any symptoms as far on and off constipation and consistency of my stool/shape i did a fecal occult test was negative . my stool has been looking narrower than usually mostly everytime i poop?

A member asked:

What's the ideal stool shape in terms of the width? mine are normal color, loose but still formed/solid but they're not quite round across the diameter. they look like a poorly drawn circle for the diameter. is this due to lack of fiber or water?

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