Doctor discovers rectal tumor after patient reports frequent, incomplete bowel movements

Colorectal surgeon He Jianlin recently shared a medical case involving an 80-year-old woman who sought treatment for hemorrhoids. During a 20-minute waiting period, the patient visited the restroom three times but reported a persistent sensation of incomplete bowel movements.

Upon examination, the physician identified both hemorrhoids and a tumor. He noted that the patient was experiencing tenesmus, a medical condition characterized by an urgent but ineffective urge to defecate, often accompanied by a feeling of rectal pressure.

Dr. He identified several potential causes for tenesmus, including infectious enteritis, inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, rectal lesions, radiation proctitis, rectal prolapse, post-surgical complications, or dyssynergic defecation.

Medical professionals recommend that individuals starting at age 40 undergo a colonoscopy every three to five years, as most colorectal cancers originate from polyps. Other warning signs that warrant immediate medical attention include blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, and anemia.