Could I have colon cancer?

Question

I am 30, almost 31 years old, male and overweight. I have been having some pain in my right side around my gallbladder area for about 4 weeks. My doctor did blood work which ruled out ulcers, an ultrasound which ruled out gall stones and an x-ray which said that I am constipated. However, I have a bowel movement almost every day or at least every other day. I don't struggle to go and have an amount which I'd say is regular and healthy. The x-ray shows that there is some stool that is stuck in my colon and they recommended a high fiber diet and a laxative if necessary. I plan to do what the doctor said, but if she is wrong about the constipation could it be colon cancer? On an x-ray can colon cancer ever be mistaken for constipation? I always thought the risk of colon cancer didn't start until you were in your 50's or so. Am I too young to get colon cancer?

I have an appointment with a gastroenterologist in a few weeks, but until then I'd like some peace of mind.

Answer 1

you can't really see colon cancer via x-ray, unless it is way out of hand and out of control (i.e. too late for treatment).  I assume since you did not mention it, your temperature is normal ruling out any kind of major infection (thinking payer patches being inflammed).

I was younger than you when I had a colonoscopy due to some digestive problems and they did find a pre-cancerous polyp that was removed.  I have since had a three year follow up and it was clean.  I guess I am trying to say...since it was not seen on x-ray, don't fret the gastroenterologist...if they find something it could be a very good thing and keep you around a long time.

Answer 2

As I'm sure you already know, being overweight puts you at a higher risk for all kinds of things, colon cancer included.  However, cancer generally doesn't hurt.  If your diet is high in fatty, fried, or dairy products, you could be over-working your gallbladder (for lack of a better word).  Try eliminating those from your diet for a few days and see if the pain subsides.  (It worked for a friend of mine.)

Good luck, hope this helps!

Answer 3

Colon cancer in mid to advanced stages is fairly easy to detect.  It would show a narrowing of the bowel (called an "apple core") that would be obvious to your doctor.

It could be servre diverticulitis holding some of the solid wastes in your bowel.  If it is diverticulitis you'll will need to start watching your diet; certain foods can cause discomfort (from mild to wild).

Go with the laxative for now.  If you're going to get colonoscopy you'll get a very powerful laxative anyhow (believe me it flushes everything...EVERYTHING...out!)

Answer 4

Im sure the doctor is right. Maybe go to webmd.com There was a guy on ripleys that had like a 50ft colon because he couldnt p**p. He suffered from alot of pain and whatnot. Good Luck!

Answer 5

any ancer can be at any age  the docter probaly is right though if you are worried get a 2nd opinion see if exercize fiber and fruits  will help ask the doctor  

Answer 6

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as too young for any kind of cancer.  I wouldn't freak out though, as it could be something as simple as a bowel blockage (though that isn't any fun).  You might be getting some out, but not all.  

I would go ahead with what your doctor says, try it for two weeks, if it continues go back and let him/her know that you are concerned about cancer.  A CT scan can tell you better than an X-ray can.  Or an Ultrasound is less harmful, and a lot easier.  

Being concerned is one thing, being a hypercondriac is another.  Don't freak out until you've ruled the easy stuff out.  Then don't freak out at all because it won't do you any good.  Just relax, do what your doctor said, let them know your concern, and go from there.