I hear bowel cancer can cause loose stools and hard stools. What does a healthy stool look like?

Question

Just looked at the bristol stool scale and I am between 4 and 5.

Answer 1

3 legs and a comfortable seat

Answer 2

As an ICU nurse, a "normal stool" the color is brown and the consistncy is soft.
the quick check-list is this:
jelly-like mucus shreds mixed in stool indicate inflammation
bright red blood is rectal bleeding (hemrrhoids?)
bright red blood mixed with feces possible colonic bleeding
black tarry stools with bad smell is an upper Gastro-Intestinal bleed
black stool can occur by too much iron in the diet
gray, tan stool - is absent bile pigment ( a bile duct problem)
pale yellow, greasy stool with absorption problems
Occult blood, which can be detected with a special test, is the usual indicator of colon cancer. The test uses a smear of stool on a special card with a test liquid (it is a lab test).

I hope this helps. Don't delay. If you are having ANY problems seek help immediately. Early detection is the best cure.

Wendy O. RN,

Answer 3

It all depends on the person. Some people have loose some hard. Having had a brother that has died from bowel cancer, i can tell you that you have to look for any 'change' in the stools more than the consistancy. Also, if it has any blood in it, usually dark blood (not generally fresh, as that can indicate piles), or any mucuse. Any change at all, go to see your doctor, and DEFINITELY do not leave it. It is easily cured if caught early enough but very hard to cure if it is left.

Answer 4

A healthy stool shouldnt float. There is a scale used in hospitals called the "Bristol stool scale" It has very graphic pictures of stools!! your poo should look like a Mr Wippy Ice cream pulled from the ice cream van. Neat and well formed

Answer 5

their really is no such thing as a normal stool its usually what is normal to you mucus can happen because the lining of the bowel is irritated and is common in IBS so are the other symptoms you have described. mucus is slimy can be brown (for obvious reasons) clear or greenish coloured although this generally means you have an infections but not all ways the general rule is the stools should be soft and easy to pass please if you think you have bowel cancer go to the doctor is an easy thing to diagnose and its better not to die of embarrassment I've had the diagnostic done and although its not pleasant they are very professional and i was in the clear which put my mind at rest hope this helps

Answer 6

Type 1: Separate hard lumps, like nuts (hard to pass)
Type 2: Sausage-shaped, but lumpy
Type 3: Like a sausage but with cracks on its surface
Type 4: Like a sausage or snake, smooth and soft
Type 5: Soft blobs with clear cut edges (passed easily)
Type 6: Fluffy pieces with ragged edges, a mushy stool
Type 7: Watery, no solid pieces (entirely liquid)

Types 1 and 2 indicate constipation[3]; 3 and (especially) 4 are the preferred types of stools as they are the easiest to pass. Types 5-7 are more symptomatic of diarrhea.

Answer 7

The two doctors that regularly appear on the Oprah show, commonly known as the "YOU" Docs", Dr. Mehmet Oz and Dr. Michael Roizen, say a healthy stool should look "serpentine".

Answer 8

based on my recent stool sample examination (as part of my annual checkup), a healthy stool's color ranges from dark brown to yellow ochre. its consistency and texture is oftentimes solid and doesn't exceed the normal fiber content. red blood or white blood cells should either be minimal or none. pus should not be present as well since this could be signs of an infection.

Answer 9

sort of medium brown and fully formed loose stools are usually light to yellow in colour and sort looking, Hard stools are dark in colour and look like small stones.

Answer 10

I know it sounds mingin but they should be a chocolate brown colour and the texture should not be sticky as this indicates too much fat in ur diet..x