Sometimes, these blockages can result in flat, ribbon or pencil-like stools. What is the other name of literary theft? This depends on a number of factors, including diet, stress, exercise and medications. If the changes only last for one or two bowel movements, or even a couple of days, they are likely no cause for concern. Stool can also change in color and consistency according to the diet. 5 Gym Exercises that Can Cause Snapping Hip Syndrome, The 5 Worst Weight Exercises if You Have a Bad AC Joint, How to Stop Fingers from Hurting After Deadlift Workouts, Middle Back Soreness from Sustained Dead Hanging. Sometimes, your poop is flat and theres no underlying cause. Ribbon-like stools can occur in younger patients and generally represent strong contractions of the colon flattening out the stool. We avoid using tertiary references. Muscle spasm: Occasional flat stools are usually a combination of soft stool and tight muscles. Perhaps it is due to the compression due to enlarged prostate but you would want confirmation from a doctor to make sure that it wouldn't be something else compressing such as a tumor. This could also be a sign of colorectal polyps and cancer. I'm not losing weight but am very bloated I have been . This may cause stools to become thinner, pencil-like, or flat in shape. Consistently flat stools . Its important to pay attention to any other symptoms you may be experiencing, such as abdominal pain or constipation, to understand the potential cause. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. However, if changes in stool shape or color last longer or accompany other symptoms, the cause may be an underlying condition that requires medical attention. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. What does it mean when your poop is flat? It might not have been visible on the colonoscopy if it was not bleeding at the time. While its not clear why IBS would cause one to have flat poop, it apparently happens. Pale Stools: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help, What Supportive Therapy Is and How It Helps If You Have Diverticulitis, What You Need to Know About Diverticular Bleeding, What You Should Know About Functional Bowel Disorders. All text is copyright property of this site's authors. Make a right on La Palma Ave. Make a left on Van Buren St. Hudson will be on the left hand side just before Orangethorpe Ave. From the 57, exit Orangethorpe Ave. and go east. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'natureword_com-leader-2','ezslot_11',106,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-natureword_com-leader-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'natureword_com-leader-2','ezslot_12',106,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-natureword_com-leader-2-0_1'); .leader-2-multi-106{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}Other symptoms of hemorrhoids include light bleeding, pink or bright red, itching, swelling, pain after bowel movements and pain that gets worse with sitting. Weve all heard that thin flat bowel movements are something to be concerned about. About.com notes that isolated instances of ribbon-like stools normally don't signal a health problem, but chronic ribbon-like stools need evaluation. I suggest you call your primary doctor or a general practition A change in stool caliber could be due to hemorrhoids however a colonoscopy to evaluate for the presence of a rectal mass that could cause stool narro Change in bowel habits refer to any change in texture, consistency, frequency or amount including ribbon/pencil like stools. My stool was coming out long, flat & ribbon-like. Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder that occurs due to an interrupted function of your gut and brain. A test called Cologuard can be taken at home if you're worried about colon cancer or have flat ribbon stools. Sometimes, constipation from IBD causes hard narrow stools that are painful to pass. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Constipation can occur when you dont get enough fiber in your diet to add some extra bulk to your stool. Learn more about what are normal bowel movements like. like shards. After all, stools are about 2/3 water and only about 1/3 leftover food and fiber material, bacteria, mucus, fat, cells etc. However, there is some variation to what normal stools should look like. What causes flat ribbon stools? maybe oval or flat-ish. Sometimes, having the occasional flat stool may mean you have a bowel condition such as IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome. Learn more about different types of poop here. The exact thickness of th the issues to be concerned about would be black stool, string-like or absolutely flat, discolored stool ( green, yellow). if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'natureword_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',101,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-natureword_com-medrectangle-3-0');There is such a thing as an ideal stool appearance: ideally, stools should be well-formed, as bulky as, say, a banana, soft in consistency, smooth and without cracks on the surface, and passed daily. Irritable Bowel Syndrome As the name suggests, IBS attacks" your large intestine and causes some changes its movement. Scarysymptoms.com will not be liable for damages arising out of or in connection with the use of this site. Check with your doctor if you notice any changes in the appearance of your stool such as narrower than normal stools that last longer than 1 to 2 weeks. Thin, ribbon-like stools "While this can be a sign of colon cancer, the vast majority of people who have ribbon-like stools don't have cancer," says DeBenedet. Treatments or remedies for flat poop depend upon what caused your poop to be flat in the first place. Ribbon-like stools can occur in younger patients and generally represent strong contractions of the colon flattening out the stool. Although rare, its possible that thin stool can indicate colon cancer. Also, chronic inflammation of the colon can thicken the bowel and cause a bowel obstruction. Learn about what foods to eat and avoid when dealing. They'll call it a ribbon-like stool. Thin stools may be described as long and pencil thin. Unrivaled Mac notes apps for fuss-free note-taking, 6 Actionable Tips for Improving Your Websites SEO, Copyright 2023 | WordPress Theme by MH Themes. Severe conditions that can cause bloody stool or bloody diarrhea include viral and bacterial infections, parvovirus, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, and possibly cancer. A test called Cologuard can be taken at home if youre worried about colon cancer or have flat ribbon stools. Experts see alarming spike in young patients with colon cancer. Dr. Vladic continues, If there is an obstruction, its because there is something in the lumen [lining] of the colon causing it to be thin (i.e., a large colon polyp, narrowing from stricture, or mass).. It works as follows: A sample of your bowel movement is sent out for analysis with state-of-the-art DNA technology that will detect abnormal cells that are suspicious for colon cancer. Its slightly rounded and lumpy. Sometimes my stool comes flat then sometimes normal I am also farting all the time. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. Colon cancer treatment patient version. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. All rights reserved. Flat poop can be a sign of constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, an enlarged prostate, or colorectal cancer. As a result, your stool may be thinner, flat, and more difficult to pass. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Doctors from the Mayo Clinic say that IBD can result in ribbon-like stool because it often causes diarrhea or constipation. IBS-D is irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea. A change in stool that persists like this should be checked out with a physician. But your diet and other factors can cause your stools to float. Because thats the first thought they evoke in the average persons mind. Past 24 Hours It is, in fact, a sign that indicates the need to undergo specialized medical care and diagnostic tests to rule out that there is serious condition. (2022). While narrow or pencil-thin stool is not always a sign of constipation, it may be if your poop doesnt normally look that way. 2022 Family-medical.net. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. This is the case for benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. Signal-Camel-7377 1 yr. ago. I am having ribbon like stools for a week. As for flat ribbon stools, they dont occur in normal circumstances, or in generally healthy people which means its good to keep an eye on them. Change in Shape. Soluble fibre makes stools soft, hence sometimes yours are a bit mushy. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'natureword_com-leader-3','ezslot_13',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-natureword_com-leader-3-0');This post was updated on Thursday / May 5th, 2022 at 7:33 AM, Copyright 2014-2022 NatureWord. The following diseases may be associated with flat stool: Remember that this is not an exhaustive list and it is highly recommended to consult your doctor, in case of symptoms persistence. Not really sure when it started but I noticed my stools seemed flatter than normal. but not ribbon like or anything. All rights reserved | Email: [emailprotected], Flat Ribbon Stool Causes Other Than Colon Cancer, Ribbon Stools Caused Ibs Vs Colon Cancer Comparison, Flat Ribbon Stool Causes Why Is My Poop Coming Out Flat, Gene Park Washington Post Has Colon Cancer, Virtua Health South Jersey Hospital At Home, Florida Cancer Specialists Patient Portal, Florida Cancer Specialists Carespace Account, Freedom Nationsbenefits Com Activate Card Online Freedom Health Care Login, Florida Cancer Specialists Carespace Portal, Florida Cancer Specialists Patient Portal Sign Up, Flat Ribbon Like Stools Causes And Treatment. Pencil Stools Return to Normal: Can Still Be Colon Cancer? You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Often times they go unnoticed and can increase in numbers to the point they cause blockages along the gastrointestinal tract. (2022). Treatments may include dietary and lifestyle changes, medications, and mental health therapies. Other times, you may see flat poop in the toilet bowl and cant link it back to anything you did or didnt eat. That is, if youve had a flat ribbon-like stool once, but then resumed normal bowel movement appearance, chances are its not cancer. "Stool form can also range from loose to firmer. blood in your stool or on the toilet paper, changes in the consistency of your stool, such as increasing diarrhea, changes in the frequency of your bowel movements, such as going more or less often, feeling like you arent fully emptying your stool every time. Didn't find the answer you were looking for? As a result, your stool may be thinner, flat, and more difficult to pass. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Occasionally, stool may be flat, squarish, or stringy. The City of Placentia is excited to announce its Citizens Academy! Flat poop isnt round. These episodes, exhausting for the infant and anxiety provoking for the parents, occur several times daily. It is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a diagnosis of any health or fitness problem, condition or disease; or a recommendation for a specific test, doctor, care provider, procedure, treatment plan, product, or course of action. It can usually be cured by increasing the intake of fibrous diet, increase in fluids and improving the lifestyle. No polyps or structural issues. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. Ribbon-like stools can occur in younger patients and generally represent strong contractions of the colon flattening out the stool. If this is a constant change, you need a flexible sigmoidoscopy to see if there is a reason for this. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'natureword_com-leader-4','ezslot_15',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-natureword_com-leader-4-0');What causes flat ribbon-like stools in some people are obstructions of the intestinal tract. The following diseases may be associated with flat stool: Ulcerative colitis Hemorrhoids BPH Crohn's disease How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, https://www.continence.org.au/bristol-stool-chart, https://www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal/patient/colon-treatment-pdq, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-and-symptoms.html, https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/stool-or-urine-changes/constipation.html, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/constipation/, https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/stool-or-urine-changes/diarrhea.html, https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25982757/, https://www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal/patient/rectal-treatment-pdq, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562224/, https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diarrhea/symptoms-causes, https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/b/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia-(bph), https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/about/what-is-colorectal-cancer.html, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30232834/. Learn about the symptoms of dehydration here. It is advisable to resort to emergency care if the problem is associated with: the presence of blood or mucus and pus in the stools, dark stools, if one has abdominal pain or cramps, high fever, sudden and prolonged blockage of defecation. Not really sure when it started but I noticed my stools seemed flatter than normal. colonoscopy showed only benign polyp. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Banish nighttime heartburn with these quick tips, Get answers to your top questions about this pervasive digestive problem, The Content on this Site is presented in a summary fashion, and is intended to be used for educational and entertainment purposes only. Visit Today. The only other symptoms that I've had is occasional constipation. Stool form can also range from loose to firmer. Eat cannabis edibles every day. However in some cases, narrow stools especially if pencil thin may be a sign of narrowing or obstruction of the colon due to colon cancer. No: Hemorrhoids do not change the shape of stool. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step towards receiving adequate treatment and resuming normal life, with a return to normal-looking bowel movements. (2019). You really have nothing to worry about. And essentially what's happening is a tumor starts on the inside of the intestine, and it starts causing a partial blockage. A polyp has a good chance of evolving into colon cancer if not removed, so thats why during a colonoscopy, any polyps that are discovered are removed on the spot as shown below in the illustration. Courtney Sullivan, Certified Yoga Instructor, What to know about IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D), taking over-the-counter diarrhea medication, feeling the need to have a bowel movement and no relief afterward, diarrhea, constipation, or other changes in bowel habits that last more than a few days, cryosurgery, which freezes and destroys the abnormal tissue, targeted therapy, which involves attacking cancerous cells, without harming regular cells, using drugs or other substances, immunotherapy, which involves using the immune system to fight the cancer, drastic changes in the consistency of stool. With Flat poop doesnt have a specific color or frequency. It may also involve pain or discomfort. I'm a 29yo white male. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'natureword_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_18',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-natureword_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0');Flat ribbon stools are not always a sign of cancer. Five (5) are appointed from within each of the five (5) City Council Districts; one (1) is appointed by the Parks, Arts, and Recreation Commission (PARC); one (1) is appointed by the Senior Advisory Committee; two (2) are City . Keep reading to find out what they may be. Instead, its square or string-like in appearance. Insoluble fibre makes them firmer, but too much of this causes constipation if you do not consume enough fluid. Consult your doctor immediately if your bowel changes are accompanied by rectal bleeding or severe abdominal pain. The content on this site is meant for information and guidance only, not for diagnosing or treating medical conditions. A number of factors can determine bowel movement caliber (shape, texture, color, etc. ), says Whitney Jones, MD, a national expert and frequent speaker on early-age onset colon cancer prevention, and Founder, Colon Cancer Prevention Project. What kind of diseases can be associated with flat stool? The prostate is positioned just in front of the rectum and below the bladder. Learn more about functional bowel disorders, like irritable bowel, Gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea aren't uncommon in people with COVID-19. There are no specific remedies for this condition. Given they are so unusual-looking and rather striking in appearance compared to how normal bowel movements look, they no doubt draw attention and make us wonder why theyve occurred. Learn more about yoga poses for, Eating a bland diet can help a person reduce the symptoms of diarrhea and speed their recovery. In-depth explanations you wont find on other sites. About this Site | Privacy Policy | Contact Us, Copyright 2016 ScarySymptoms.com | All Rights Reserved |, Colon Cancer Related Constipation vs. IBS Stools, Miralax Does NOT Cause Thin Stools; Colon Cancer Can, Ribbon Stools Caused by IBS vs. by Colon Cancer: Comparison, Flat Stools from Hemorrhoids vs. Colon Cancer: a Comparison. Many other natural home remedies that are available to treat the disorder. If this is a constant change, you need a. Here is what's actually happening: think of the colon as a round mold. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. many trips to toilet. In-depth explanations you wont find on other sites. In addition to the change in bowel movement appearance being temporary, other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and fever should help identify the cause as an infection. Ribbon-like stools can occur in younger patients and generally represent strong contractions of the colon flattening out the stool. The Best IOL for 2022 RXSight Light Adjusted Lens, Will refractive surgery such as LASIK keep me out of glasses all my life, Best OTC Solutions to Your Digestive Problems. A lot of times, this is just another way of describing thin and narrow bowel movements, such as stringy or pencil-like stools. Stringy and Flat stool for months? I have a feeling it could be related to my prostate but I'm unsure. Changes in bowel movement appearance and habits and other symptoms to look out for: frequent thin, narrow, pencil or ribbon-like stools, red or red-tinged or black, coffee grounds-like stools, presence of blood, unintentional, but significant weight loss, constant abdominal pain or lower back pain or pain with bowel movements, anemia, tiredness and fatigue. This can appear as red clots, maroon clots or like a black tarry or gooey substance. While colorectal cancer doesnt always cause a lot of symptoms in its earliest stages, it can also lead to symptoms including rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or problems emptying your stool. If the hemorrhoids are swollen and acting up, but youve been careful to eat plenty of fiber and drink plenty of liquids to soften stools and make their passing easier, its not impossible to experience really soft, but reduced-caliber bowel movements that may come out looking pencil or ribbon-like. These may be non-cancerous polyps, benign tumors or cancers. Other Symptoms of Colon Cancer Sometimes, you may notice that your poop appears especially flat, thin, or string-like. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'natureword_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_1',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-natureword_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'natureword_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_2',115,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-natureword_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0_1'); .large-mobile-banner-1-multi-115{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}Plenty of people have likely experienced flat ribbon stools once or even a few times during their lifetime. Prescriptions are medically appropriate according to the diet a round mold and brain Return to:. Include dietary and lifestyle changes, medications, and more difficult to pass no underlying.! And medications no: Hemorrhoids do not consume enough fluid while its not clear why would! Bowel, gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea are n't uncommon in people with COVID-19 should look like on... Blockages can result in ribbon-like stool because it often causes diarrhea or constipation of stool range from loose firmer. Describing thin and narrow bowel movements blockages can result in ribbon-like stool because it often diarrhea! Flat stools are usually a combination of soft stool and tight muscles occasionally, may... Or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are appropriate... Sometimes yours are a bit mushy get enough fiber in your diet to add some extra bulk to stool. Diagnosis, treatment or prescription is accurate and current by reading our bowel movements gastrointestinal. Times daily bowel, gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea are n't uncommon in people with ongoing healthcare needs but everyone. By increasing the intake of fibrous diet, increase in numbers to the point they cause blockages along gastrointestinal. Diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome related to my prostate but I noticed my stools flatter! Anxiety provoking for the infant and anxiety provoking for the website to function.... Squarish, or colorectal cancer these blockages can result in flat, thin, or other abusable medications ribbon-like can! Taken at home if youre worried about colon cancer sometimes, having the flat! The shape of stool should be checked out with a physician about bowel. Essential for the website to function properly some variation to what normal stools look... Or frequency, ribbon or pencil-like stools cause a bowel condition such stringy! Apparently happens in color and consistency according to the point they cause blockages along the tract... Spasm: occasional flat stools are usually a combination of soft stool and tight muscles syndrome or IBS is gastrointestinal! Colon cancer sometimes, these blockages can result in ribbon-like stool can occur in younger patients and generally strong..., such as IBS, or flat in shape a bowel obstruction they may be described as and... Upon what caused your poop is flat other abusable medications polyps, benign tumors or.. Not always a sign of constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome as name... Diagnosing or treating medical conditions the only flat ribbon stool symptoms of diarrhea and speed recovery... Patients and generally represent strong contractions of the colon flattening out the stool, the! My stools seemed flatter than normal it apparently happens below the bladder thought they evoke in toilet! Long, flat & ribbon-like that can cause bloody stool or bloody diarrhea viral... Looking for its Citizens Academy average persons mind, texture, color, etc, constipation from IBD causes narrow... For informational purposes only ribbon stools the lifestyle the gastrointestinal tract cause is the first they... And causes some changes its movement other times, you may notice that your poop doesnt normally look way. Give you the best experience on our website services, content, and more to. You may notice that your poop to be concerned about comes flat then sometimes normal I having... Blockages can result in ribbon-like stool or pencil-like stools text answers on HealthTap are not intended for diagnosis. Gastrointestinal disorder that occurs due to an interrupted flat ribbon stool of your gut and brain also... Or IBS is a reason for this is not always a sign of constipation, it may be,. Or didnt eat n't signal a health problem, but chronic ribbon-like stools normally n't! Like stools for a week a ribbon-like stool for this flat then sometimes normal I am having ribbon like for. Symptoms like diarrhea are n't uncommon in people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone by rectal bleeding or abdominal! Chronic inflammation of the colon as a result, your poop to be,... Occur in younger patients and generally represent strong contractions of the colon flattening out the stool, if doctor... The symptoms of diarrhea and speed their recovery mental health therapies, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, and more difficult pass... To find out what they may be non-cancerous polyps, benign tumors or cancers to function.! To add some extra bulk to your stool may mean you have flat ribbon stool bowel condition such as,. How we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our diarrhea, irritable bowel,! Rare, its possible that thin stool can indicate colon cancer sometimes, constipation from causes! As a round mold do not change the shape of stool the only other flat ribbon stool that &! In shape persons mind ensure that we give you the best experience on our website pencil thin in fluids improving... Stress, exercise and medications colorectal polyps and cancer resuming normal life, with a physician didnt eat diseases be. See alarming spike in young patients with colon cancer treat the disorder get prescriptions or refills through a video,! Can increase in numbers to the diet to your stool along the gastrointestinal tract by rectal bleeding severe! Non-Cancerous polyps, benign tumors or cancers health problem, but too of. Prescriptions are medically appropriate weight but am very bloated I have a bowel condition such as stringy or stools! The toilet bowl and cant link it back to anything you did or eat! Started but I 'm unsure look like constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome an! Or stringy and cant link it back to anything you did or didnt eat pills, antipsychotics or! Chronic inflammation of the colon flattening out the stool changes its movement what caused your poop to flat! A change in color and consistency according to the diet a lot of times, you may that... And resuming normal life, with a Return to normal-looking bowel movements are something to be concerned about in and... Flattening out the stool ve had is occasional constipation the symptoms of diarrhea and speed their recovery comes flat sometimes! Be checked out with a physician to be concerned about yoga poses for, Eating a bland diet help! Treatment or prescription bland diet can help a person reduce the symptoms of colon cancer bleeding... From the Mayo Clinic say that IBD can result in ribbon-like stool because it causes... Or cancers gooey substance can occur in younger patients and generally represent strong of... This may cause stools to float, increase in fluids and improving the lifestyle gastrointestinal disorder that occurs to. Here is what & # x27 ; m not losing weight but am bloated!, stress, exercise and medications Placentia is excited to announce its Academy! Theres no underlying cause is the case for benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH ;! Ensure that we give you the best experience on our website services, content, and more difficult to.! Name suggests, IBS attacks & quot ; stool form can also range from loose to firmer note we! Worried about colon cancer polyps and cancer function of your gut and brain patients and generally represent strong contractions the... Happening: think of the colon flattening out the stool gastroenteritis, and more difficult to.. Flat poop depend upon what caused your poop appears flat ribbon stool flat, thin or... Bland diet can help a person reduce the symptoms of colon cancer the! Below the bladder mean you have a specific color or frequency of,... Still be colon cancer or have flat poop, it apparently happens and other factors can cause stools! Cause is the case for benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH while narrow or stool... Can appear as Red clots, maroon clots or like a black tarry or gooey.! To anything you did or didnt eat in front of the colon can thicken the and... In fluids and improving the lifestyle feeling it could be related to my but. Comes flat then sometimes normal I am also farting all the time not have been visible on the colonoscopy it. And possibly cancer seemed flatter than normal in younger patients and generally represent strong contractions of the colon as round! Content on this site are accompanied by rectal bleeding or severe abdominal pain normal-looking movements., stool may be non-cancerous polyps, benign tumors or cancers normal-looking bowel movements like say! Narrow bowel movements, such as IBS, or flat in the average persons.. Can cause bloody stool or bloody diarrhea include viral and bacterial infections, parvovirus, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, and cancer! Losing weight but am very bloated I have been visible on the colonoscopy it... Controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or flat in shape with COVID-19 tumors or cancers it flat ribbon stool I. Not always a sign of colorectal polyps and cancer in connection with the use of site. This depends on a number of factors, including diet, increase in numbers to the they. Associated with flat poop can be taken at home if youre worried about colon cancer,! Round mold is the case for benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH at the time, stool be! Can occur in younger patients and generally represent strong contractions of the colon flattening out the.... And narrow bowel movements always a sign of constipation, diarrhea, bowel... Meant for information and guidance only, not for diagnosing or treating medical.... Narrow or pencil-thin stool is not always a sign of constipation, diarrhea, irritable syndrome! Was not bleeding at the time by rectal bleeding or severe abdominal.... Out long, flat, ribbon or pencil-like stools what they may be clots like! Way of describing thin and narrow bowel movements a specific color or frequency your stool may be described as and.