Question 1

my stool's shape has change for the last month. it loos like a snake. do i need to get a colonoscopy?

Accepted Answer

Stool shape: There are many variables which can affect the size and shape of stool, including the diet, state of physical hydration or dehydration, associated bowel health or disease, and many others. COnsideration for colonoscopy is made when there are concerns of underlying bowel diseases or tumors. A screening colonoscopy would be indicated if these are discovered by history or on exam

Question 2

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 3

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 4

can anxiety and stress change stool shapes, colour and ability to pass a stool?

Accepted Answer

See MD: No direct connection between stress and changes in stool. Suggest you see your primary care provider to find out what can be causing bowel changes. Not knowing for sure may be contributing to your anxiety and stress. If your anxiety persists, it may be helpful to speak to a psychotherapist for coping strategies and guidance. Hope this helps.

Question 5

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 6

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 7

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.

Question 8

flat stools ribbon shape what's wrong?

Accepted Answer

See your doctor: If you have had a recent change in your stools-such as described- it may be time to have a colonoscopy and rectal exam to ensure there is nothing compressing the rectum/lower part of the intestines. Seeing your doctor is a good place to start.

Question 9

i was dx w/ibs younger. im 28. what causes variation in stool size & shape excluding cancer? could tension/anxiety/ibs cause the change? why? thank yo

Accepted Answer

See answer: altered bowel habits is a feature of IBS and relates to several factors including spasms of the bowel, altered bacterial environment, and sensitivity to certain food triggers. For many IBS patients, stress/anxiety seem to provoke the already sensitive nerves and can flare up their IBS symptoms. More info here: http://www.uptodate.com/contents/irritable-bowel-syndrome-beyond-the-basics
Good luck!

Question 10

what's causes change in stool caliber? pencil thin stools different shapes and sizes always? did a colonoscopy and ends and capsule 4 months ago polyp non cancerous biopsies taken? should i be scared? been like this for years but lately really bad

Accepted Answer

Less worries please: Stool texture (regardless of volume or frequency of movements) , shape, &amp; caliber are affected by multiple factors (fiber intake, bacterial load, GI transit, fluid secretion, etc.)  Sounds however like your evaluation has been at least reassuring to-date.

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Doctor answers about:

Stool shapes

A member asked:

My stool's shape has change for the last month. it loos like a snake. do i need to get a colonoscopy?

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:

Can anxiety and stress change stool shapes, colour and ability to pass a stool?

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?

A member asked:

Flat stools ribbon shape what's wrong?

A member asked:

I was dx w/ibs younger. im 28. what causes variation in stool size & shape excluding cancer? could tension/anxiety/ibs cause the change? why? thank yo

A member asked:

What's causes change in stool caliber? pencil thin stools different shapes and sizes always? did a colonoscopy and ends and capsule 4 months ago polyp non cancerous biopsies taken? should i be scared? been like this for years but lately really bad

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