Colorectal (Colon) Cancer Slideshow Pictures Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Robert J Fingerote, MD, MSc, BSc

Medical Editor:

Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM

Medical Editor:

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD

Medical Editor:

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

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When to Seek Medical Care

Any of the following symptoms warrants an immediate visit to your health care provider:

• Bright red blood on the toilet paper, in the toilet bowl, or in your stool when you have a bowel movement
  
  
• Change in the character or frequency of your bowel movements
  
  
• Sensation of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement
  
  
• Unexplained or persistent abdominal pain or distension
  
  
• Unexplained weight loss
  
  
• Unexplained, persistent nausea or vomiting

Any of the following symptoms warrants a visit to the nearest hospital emergency department:

• Copious bleeding from your rectum
  
  
• Unexplained severe pain in your belly or pelvis (groin area)
  
  
• Vomiting and inability to keep fluids down