When you notice changes in your digestive health, it’s easy to look for excuses. You might blame a spicy meal, stress, or a minor bug.
At the practice of Dr. Robert Yavrouian, we help patients in Los Angeles and Glendale, Calfironia, find answers. Our practice, Robert G. Yavrouian, MD, FACS, FASCRS, provides comprehensive care for both benign and malignant conditions.
Paying attention to your body can save your life. Here are five colorectal symptoms you should never ignore.
Seeing blood in the toilet or on your toilet paper is never normal. While it’s often caused by benign conditions like hemorrhoids, you should never assume it’s harmless.
A 2024 study in JAMA Network Open analyzed over 24 million patients under age 50. It found that 45% of those with early-onset colorectal cancer had rectal bleeding.
Many people assume bleeding is just a hemorrhoid. However, a study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health tracked patients with hemorrhoids. They had a 2.18 times higher rate of colorectal cancer diagnosis than those without hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids don’t turn into cancer, but they can easily mask the bleeding from a tumor. At our offices, we perform thorough evaluations to find the true source of your bleeding.
Abdominal pain that doesn’t go away is a sign that your digestive tract needs attention. While gas or indigestion is common, persistent cramping or pain can point to deeper issues.
In the JAMA Network Open study, abdominal pain was the second most common symptom reported by younger patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
Persistent pain can also indicate conditions like diverticulitis. We offer expert diagnostics to identify the cause of your pain and create a personalized treatment plan.
A sudden, lasting change in how often you go to the bathroom is a key warning sign. This includes new, persistent diarrhea, constipation, or stools that are much thinner than usual.
The JAMA Network Open study also found that many younger colorectal cancer patients experienced altered bowel habits.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, any change in your bowel habits that lasts longer than two weeks isn’t normal and requires a medical evaluation.
If you notice these changes, we can perform a diagnostic colonoscopy to examine your colon. This allows us to find and treat issues early, often before they progress.
Losing weight without trying is a major red flag for many health conditions, including colorectal issues. If you’re dropping pounds without changing your diet or exercise, your body is sending a warning.
The Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology (CGH) guidelines recommend immediate diagnostic testing for adults with unexplained weight loss combined with lower digestive symptoms.
We take unexplained weight loss seriously. Our team will review your symptoms and medical history to determine if a specialized procedure, such as robotic surgery, is necessary.
Iron deficiency anemia occurs when your body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells. In adults, this is often caused by slow, hidden blood loss in the digestive tract.
The Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology guidelines also state that iron deficiency anemia is a key symptom requiring a diagnostic colonoscopy.
A tumor can bleed very slowly, making the blood invisible to the naked eye. We use advanced diagnostic tools to locate the source of the blood loss and protect your health.
Ignoring colorectal symptoms can lead to delayed diagnoses and more complex treatments. If you’re experiencing any of these warning signs, don’t wait. Contact our team online or by phone today to schedule a visit with Dr. Yavrouian at our Los Angeles or Glendale offices.
