Differential Diagnosis for Stool Felt in Left Lower Quadrant
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Constipation: This is the most likely diagnosis because feeling stool in the left lower quadrant is a common symptom of constipation, where stool accumulates in the sigmoid colon, which is located in the left lower quadrant of the abdomen.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Diverticulitis: Inflammation of the diverticula in the sigmoid colon can cause pain and sensation of stool in the left lower quadrant.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS can cause a variety of symptoms including abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and sensation of stool in the left lower quadrant.
- Sigmoid Volvulus: A twisting of the sigmoid colon can cause an obstruction, leading to a sensation of stool in the left lower quadrant.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Intestinal Obstruction: A blockage in the intestine can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and a sensation of stool in the left lower quadrant. This is a medical emergency.
- Appendicitis (atypical presentation): Although appendicitis typically presents with pain in the right lower quadrant, in some cases, especially if the appendix is retrocecal, the pain can be felt in the left lower quadrant.
- Colorectal Cancer: A tumor in the sigmoid colon can cause a sensation of stool in the left lower quadrant, along with other symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, weight loss, and blood in the stool.
Rare Diagnoses
- Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine telescopes into another part, which can cause abdominal pain and a sensation of stool in the left lower quadrant.
- Ovarian Torsion: In females, a twisting of the ovary can cause severe abdominal pain, which can sometimes be referred to the left lower quadrant.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (e.g., Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis): These conditions can cause chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to a variety of symptoms including abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits.