Differential Diagnosis for Mucous Stools
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease often present with mucous stools due to the inflammation and ulceration of the bowel lining, leading to an increase in mucus production.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Some patients with IBS, especially those with IBS-D (diarrhea-predominant), may experience mucous stools due to the abnormal bowel habits and possible increased mucus production.
- Infectious Gastroenteritis: Certain infections can cause an increase in mucus production in the stool, especially those involving the colon.
- Diverticulitis: Inflammation of the diverticula in the colon can lead to mucous stools.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Colorectal Cancer: Although less common, colorectal cancer can present with mucous stools, especially if the tumor is located in the rectum or sigmoid colon. Missing this diagnosis could be fatal.
- Invasive Parasitic Infections: Certain parasitic infections, like amoebiasis, can cause mucous stools and have serious consequences if not treated promptly.
Rare Diagnoses
- Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV): A rare sexually transmitted infection that can cause proctitis and subsequent mucous stools.
- Amyloidosis: A condition characterized by the deposition of amyloid proteins in various tissues, including the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to mucous stools among other symptoms.
- Hirschsprung's Disease: A congenital condition affecting the colon, leading to severe constipation or obstipation, but in some cases, it might present with mucous stools due to the abnormal motility and possible enterocolitis.