A 19 yr boy studying in college came with complaints of constipation, bleeding & pain while defecating since 3 months. He had consulted many nearby family physicians. They told him that it was a piles problem and they had given him different types of oral laxatives and local ointments. However, unfortunately none of them had ever examined him. He was even advised piles surgery. He latter consulted an Ayurvedic doctor, who examined him & said that it was not piles but anal fissure. He carried out a minor surgery for same in his clinic. The patient has no relief and his bleeding & pain did not subside. Feeling frustrated at last he came to Bhaktivedanta hospital. Details of patient were noted & a proper rectal examination was performed. He had no piles or fissure. On examination it was found that he had a large tumor which would bleed on touching. The provisional clinical diagnosis was "Cancer of rectum" He was asked to undergo a Colonoscopy and CT scan. The diagnosis was confirmed. The patient was nicely counselled and was advised further treatment in the form of surgery.
Lesson: ALWAYS TAKE EXPERT OPINION FOR YOUR PROBLEMS. NEVER RELY ON G.P. FOR PROBLEMS PERSISTING BEYOND ONE WEEK OF TREATMENT.