Differential Diagnosis for White Film Around Stool
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Candidiasis: This is a common condition caused by an overgrowth of Candida fungus in the gut. It can lead to a white, cheesy discharge or film around the stool due to the fungal infection.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Bacterial overgrowth: Certain bacteria can produce a white or off-white mucus that may appear as a film around the stool.
- Giardiasis: An intestinal infection caused by the Giardia parasite, which can lead to changes in stool appearance, including a possible white film due to mucus or the parasite itself.
- Lactose intolerance or malabsorption: Undigested lactose can lead to an overgrowth of bacteria in the colon, producing a white, frothy, or filmy appearance around the stool.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection: Although less common, a C. diff infection can cause a pseudomembranous colitis, where a white or yellowish pseudomembrane may be visible around the stool. This condition requires prompt treatment to avoid severe complications.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease can cause significant changes in stool appearance, including the presence of mucus or a film, due to inflammation and ulceration of the bowel lining.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Intestinal lymphoma: A rare type of cancer that can cause changes in bowel habits and stool appearance, including a possible white film due to tumor involvement or secondary infection.
- Amyloidosis: A condition characterized by the deposition of amyloid proteins in various tissues, including the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to changes in stool appearance, including a white film, although this is exceedingly rare.