hemorrhoids or colon cancer?

[Histotech]

Hi,

I’m 27 and I’ve struggled with IBS for years, mostly IBS-C. Sometimes I’ll go through these bouts where it’ll be hard stool, then softer, and then explosive diarrhea. I had one of those last night and an hour or so later I went to the toilet again, only to see what I think is a blood clot in the toilet? This doesn’t happen often, just one other time last year. Any thoughts?

[Histotech]

I also would like to add that I usually have a lot of mucous in my stool

[Vesgesh]

Hi there, sorry to hear you’re going through this. Has a Dr examined you to determine whether or not there are haemorrhoids present? Was the blood bright red or darker? That would help locate whereabouts in the colon (or anus) it’s coming from, bright red blood has had more time to oxidise being exposed to air so it tends to come from lower in the colon or around the anus. It would be good to book an appointment with a GP asap to have it checked though.

[Histotech in reply to Vesgesh]

so the first time that this happened (around a year ago) it was bright red and I went to the doctor immediately. She did a rectal finger exam and didn’t feel anything, so chalked it up to internal hemorrhoids. Since then, I’ve had my usual problems (mostly being chronic constipation). What happened the other night was a lot more blood than last time and it looks like there might be a darker clot of blood with the bright red blood? I included a picture.

I have an appointment with a gastroenterologist on Monday.

[Vesgesh in reply to Histotech]

Haemorrhoids or anal fissure would be very possible causes since you mentioned having chronic constipation, but it’s great you’re seeing a specialist so promptly, good luck with your appointment!