What are the characteristics of flatulence in colorectal cancer?
Disease description:
I discovered that I have colorectal cancer, and sometimes I experience flatulence. I would like to know what characteristics of flatulence are associated with colorectal cancer?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Characteristics of flatulence in patients with colorectal cancer mainly include:
1. Colorectal cancer may cause intestinal obstruction, leading to gas accumulation in the intestine. Patients may feel abdominal distension with increased frequency of flatulence, although passing gas may be difficult.
2. Unusual odor: Due to intestinal dysbiosis caused by colorectal cancer, the gas produced in the intestine often has a stronger, more unpleasant odor, which may even be intolerable.
3. Due to the presence of a tumor, normal intestinal peristalsis is disturbed, possibly causing abdominal pain or discomfort during flatulence.
4. Increased frequency of flatulence: Gastrointestinal function weakens in patients with colorectal cancer, causing food to remain in the digestive tract for longer periods, thereby increasing the number of times the patient passes gas, with some patients experiencing flatulence multiple times a day.
5. If the tumor is located lower down, near the rectum, there may be a sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation, accompanied by frequent small amounts of gas release.
6. Associated symptoms: In rare cases, flatulence in patients with colorectal cancer may be accompanied by blood, which may result from cancer cells invading the intestinal mucosa. Additionally, as the tumor grows and blocks the intestinal lumen, symptoms such as abdominal distension, decreased frequency of gas passage, or even complete cessation of flatus and bowel movements may occur.
