Green Stools And Rib Pain. Could This Be Lung Cancer?

Posted on Fri, 18 Oct 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 18 Oct 2013 Answered on

Wed, 13 Nov 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : my stool is green, I wake up every morning hurting in my back ribs. 49 yrs old could it be lung cancer? in noticed my stool is green and for months now I wake up hurting in my back ribs could it be lung cancer?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Basheer Ahamed (42 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Rib pain alone may not be due lung cancer.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome to XXXXXXX Thanks for your query.

Rib pain alone may not be likely due to lung carcinoma.
It may be due to musculoskeletal condition because it is localised and it is only present in the morning hours.

Lung cancer may present with cough with blood, chest pain, breathlessness and weight loss.
To rule out you may need an MRI/CT of the thoracic.

Secondly green stool may be associated with Gastrointestinal infection.
You may need a stool analysis.
If any organism is isolated then you may need antibiotic treatment.

Thirdly analgesic and physiotherapy may help you to overcome you rib pain.

Hope the answer helps you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E