The growth of cancerous or non-cancerous tumors or polyps may cause a narrowing of the rectum, that is thought to result in thin or narrowed stool.
Narrow stools that occur infrequently probably are harmless. In some cases, however , narrow stools — especially if pencil thin — may be a sign of narrowing or obstruction of the colon due to colon cancer.
While narrow or pencil-thin stool is not always a sign of constipation, it may be if your poop doesn't normally look that way. Constipation is usually caused by a lack of fiber in your diet or not enough exercise. Other causes include pregnancy, travel, use of some medications, and changes in your hormone levels.
Check with your doctor if you notice any changes in the appearance of your stool — such as narrower than normal stools — that last longer than 1 to 2 weeks. Consult your doctor immediately if your bowel changes are accompanied by rectal bleeding or severe abdominal pain.
In some cases, the cause is more serious. Stringy poop may also be referred to as stools that are pencil-thin, ribbon-like, thin, or narrow. Normal stool is about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Stringy poop is narrow and, in some cases, almost flat, giving it a stringy appearance.
Stool that is thin or narrow when it comes out can occur from time to time. The occasional thin stool isn't usually a cause for concern, as long as bowel movements are otherwise normal.
Signs and symptoms of bowel cancer
The 3 main symptoms of bowel cancer are blood in the stools (faeces), a change in bowel habit, such as more frequent, looser stools, and abdominal (tummy) pain. However, these symptoms are very common.
Diarrhea or Constipation
Similarly, tumors in the abdomen can squeeze and narrow the bowel, effectively causing constipation. Changes in bowel habits could be a sign of stomach cancer. You may want to seek medical attention if the changes are persistent and unexplained.
Thin stools are a sign of colon cancer. Any time you notice a narrow or ribbon-like stool, it indicates changes in your colon.
Scan for Color Changes. Colon cancer can cause bleeding in the digestive tract and make your stool a dark brown, maroon, or black.
One of the first signs of colon cancer may be a change in your bowel habits. For example, you may begin having constipation, diarrhea or narrow stools. All of these changes can be normal if they are temporary, but you should mention them to your doctor if they don't go away after a few days.
Common Symptoms of Colon Polyps
Changes in Bowel Movements – Sometimes colon polyps can lead to constipation or diarrhea that persists for longer than a week, as well as general changes in bowel habits.
It goes dark red or black and can make your poo look like tar. This type of bleeding can be a sign of cancer higher up the bowel. Or it could be from a bleeding stomach ulcer for example. It is important to go to your doctor if you have any bleeding and get checked.
Dark poo (blood in your stool)
Early and advanced stomach cancer can bleed into the stomach. Over time this reduces the number of red blood cells in your blood (anaemia). Your poo may be darker – almost black – if your stomach is bleeding. Your poo can also be darker if you're taking iron tablets.
Anorexia, fever, fatigue, pain in the abdomen, irritation, pain, and blood during stool passing, bowel movement shifts, loss of appetite, and weight loss are potential colon cancer symptoms when the patient's liver is affected.
Colon cancer, or cancer that begins in the lower part of the digestive tract, usually forms from a collection of benign (noncancerous) cells called an adenomatous polyp. Most of these polyps will not become malignant (cancerous), but some can slowly turn into cancer over the course of about 10-15 years.
fatty foods, such as fried foods. red meat, such as beef and pork. processed meat, such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs, and lunch meats.
Most polyps are protrusions from the lining of the intestine: Polypoid polyps look like a mushroom, but flop around inside the intestine because they are attached to the lining of the colon by a thin stalk. Sessile polyps do not have a stalk, and are attached to the lining by a broad base.
Abdominal pain, aches, or cramps may be symptoms of colorectal cancer. If you have any symptoms that worry you, be sure to see your doctor right away.
Many cases of colon cancer have no symptoms. If there are symptoms, the following may indicate colon cancer: Abdominal pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen.
Krane also describes stools that can be indicators for colorectal cancer. “People will typically, when they have rectal cancer in particular, will notice a narrowing in their stool. They'll call it a ribbon-like stool.