bowel_change
Narrow Stools
Also called: Change in Stool Caliber
Narrow stools refer to a persistent decrease in the diameter of the bowel movement, which may be described as pencil-thin or ribbon-like. This change in caliber can be a sign of a physical narrowing of the colon or rectum, such as from a tumor or a benign stricture, which forces the stool into a smaller shape as it passes. Alternatively, it can be a functional symptom related to altered colonic motility and muscle spasm seen in conditions like constipation and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Because it can be a symptom of colorectal cancer, any new and persistent change in stool caliber requires a medical evaluation.
Frequently asked questions
Do narrow stools always mean I have cancer?
No, not at all. While it is a potential symptom of colorectal cancer and must be evaluated, narrow stools are more commonly caused by constipation, IBS, or benign strictures. The key is to have any persistent change evaluated by a doctor to determine the cause.
Can hemorrhoids cause narrow stools?
Large internal hemorrhoids can take up space in the anal canal and may slightly alter the shape of the stool, but they are not a common cause of a persistent, significant narrowing of the stool's diameter.
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