Differential Diagnosis for Abdominal Pain, Blood in Stool, and Weight Loss
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Colorectal Cancer: This is a common condition that can cause abdominal pain, blood in stool (hematochezia), and weight loss due to decreased appetite and malabsorption. The presence of all three symptoms, especially in an older adult, makes colorectal cancer a leading consideration.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic abdominal pain, bloody stools, and weight loss due to malabsorption and chronic inflammation.
- Diverticulitis: Inflammation of a diverticulum in the colon can cause abdominal pain and bleeding. While weight loss is less common, recurrent episodes can lead to decreased appetite and weight loss.
- Gastrointestinal Infections: Certain infections, such as those caused by Salmonella or Campylobacter, can lead to abdominal pain, bloody stools, and weight loss, especially if the infection is severe or chronic.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Intestinal Ischemia: Reduced blood flow to the intestines can cause severe abdominal pain, bloody stools, and weight loss. This condition is less common but can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
- Gastrointestinal Lymphoma: A type of cancer that can cause abdominal pain, bleeding, and weight loss. Although less common than other diagnoses, it requires early detection for effective treatment.
- Meckel's Diverticulum: A congenital anomaly that can cause bleeding and abdominal pain, especially in younger patients. Weight loss might be less common but can occur if there's significant blood loss or associated conditions.
Rare Diagnoses
- Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part, which can cause abdominal pain, bloody stools, and weight loss. It's more common in children but can occur in adults, often associated with a lead point like a tumor.
- Angiodysplasia: Vascular malformations in the gastrointestinal tract that can cause bleeding, abdominal pain, and potentially weight loss if the bleeding is significant or recurrent.
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A genetic disorder that can affect the gastrointestinal system, leading to abdominal pain, bleeding, and weight loss due to intestinal perforation or other complications.