Pencil stool: What exactly is it?
Normally we defecate, which consists of normal sausage shapes and has a rather soft consistency. Depending on what you have eaten or drunk, the stool can be lighter, darker, softer or harder. In the case of so-called pencil stools, as the name suggests, the stool has a shape reminiscent of a pencil. If it is not a short-term, thin excretion due to a low-fiber diet, for example, then pencil stools usually have a health cause.
Soft stools: this is not always a cause for concern
Intestinal diseases: Causes of pencil stools
If diet is not the cause of pencil stools, then it is usually due to a narrowing of the lower colon. This is also referred to as a stenosis - the causes of a narrowing can in turn be numerous. An irritable bowel syndrome or intestinal polyps can be responsible for a stenosis, as can inflammation in the intestinal area, such as Chron's disease. Chronic constipation or pregnancy can also narrow the rectum, as can surgery or medication. Food intolerance, coeliac disease, stress or haemorrhoids are also triggers for deformed stools. Another reason can be endometriosis. Although this mainly affects the uterus, the growths can also spread to the lower part of the colon. Pencil stools can also occur after operations in the rectum.
Pencil stool as a sign of cancer
In some cases, a tumor, especially in the rectum, may be the cause. You should therefore definitely consult a doctor for further treatment if you experience additional symptoms such as
- Blood or mucus in the stool
- fever
- abdominal pain
- persistent tiredness
- loss of performance
- weight loss
- night sweats
These cases could be caused by anal or rectal cancer, which should be treated as soon as possible!
Intestinal flora: Why these 3 habits are so harmful
Pencil stool due to a tumor disease
Tumors can also trigger a pencil stool - this is a high alert, especially if it is a malignant tumor. If you find blood or mucus in your stool in addition to the stool deformation, please consult a doctor immediately, as there is a suspicion of bowel cancer. Make sure you have a check-up to rule this out or to initiate further treatment steps.