Difference between IBS and Colorectal Cancer

Many common gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), infection and bowel disease inflammation (IBD) such as Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis may seem to be quite close to Colorectal Cancer. We usually experience many of the same symptoms.

Some disorders, such as IBS, diverticulitis, and IBD can cause belly pain, cramps, diarrhea, constipation, or a combination.

In addition, Crohn's and ulcerative colitis may cause you to lose weight without attempting to make your stool look black or bloody. If you have hemorrhoids, you could also see blood in the toilet or in the tissue, although it usually looks bright red.

Although any of these signs can be caused by colorectal cancer, there are also some major differences. Do not treat by your own, visit the best gastroenterologist in OKC to get the right treatment.

Difference

Many patients will have no symptoms in the early stages of colorectal cancer. Symptoms usually appear later, after the disease has grown and spread throughout the body. The key is that they remain constant for more than a few days.

Until the disease progresses and becomes serious, colon cancer may have no symptoms. Typically, symptoms are bleeding from rectum, bloody stools, changes in the rate of bowel movement etc. An expanding and growing tumor can block the colon also.

Colon Cancer Symptoms

• Bloating

• Abdominal pain

• Nausea or vomiting

• Weight loss

• Changes in frequency or character of bowel movements

• Constipation

• Rectal pain

IBS Symptoms

• Cramps in the abdomen, pain that relieves with bowel movement

• Diarrhea and constipation alternatively

• Changes in stool

• Gas

• Appetite loss

Colon Cancer Cause and Risk Factors

Polyps or genetic abnormalities or ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (inflammatory bowel disease types), other cancers (breast, iron or ovarian), colon family history, obesity and smoking, diet can be the causes and risk factors for colon cancer.

IBS Causes and Risk Factors

The cause of IBS is not clear, but the combination of irregular gastrointestinal tract movements, increased body consciousness, and mistreatment between the brain and the GI tract are considered as contributing factors. Therefore, you must see the best gastroenterologist in OKC.

Seeing a Doctor

Experts suggest that most people are regularly checked for colorectal cancer once they are 50 years old. Nonetheless, people with a family history may need to be screened sooner.

Many GI diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, are also more likely to cause colorectal cancer. And it can be difficult to distinguish their symptoms. So, you can benefit from earlier, more frequent testing if you have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, particularly if you have them for a long time. Be sure your doctor knows if you have new symptoms that bother you.

It is best to consult your doctor if you have symptoms and find out if they can be caused by GI, colorectal cancer or another problem. For coloscopy in OKC, visit Digestive Disease Specialists Inc.

**Disclaimer: This blog content does not offer a doctor's advice and creates no relationship between any patient and care provider.