Bleeding from the rectum can be a sign of disease. Often, rectal bleeding results from a minor problem such as hemorrhoids. But it may be caused by a more serious disorder such as colitis, Crohn disease, or cancer. Any rectal bleeding requires prompt medical attention. Regular screening tests are also recommended to detect rectal bleeding that may not be visible. A fecal-occult blood test to detect hidden traces of blood in the feces should be done yearly after age 50 to check for colon and rectal cancer.
The discharge of blood from the anus or rectum, which can vary in color from bright red to dark brown or even black. The blood might be combined with stool, appear on its surface, or be expelled separately. The presence of rectal bleeding may be either painful or painless.
The most frequent reason for rectal bleeding is hemorrhoids, which are inflamed veins in the anal lining. They typically result in small quantities of bright red blood either on the stool or on toilet paper. Other possible causes for rectal bleeding include an anal fissure (a small tear or ulcer at the edge of the anus), an anal fistula (an unusual channel in the anal area), proctitis (rectal inflammation), or rectal prolapse (when the lining of the rectum protrudes outward).
Colon or rectal cancer, as well as polyps (grape-like formations), can also lead to rectal bleeding. Conditions affecting the colon like diverticular disease might result in dark red stool. Black-colored stool could indicate bleeding higher up in the digestive system. Causes of bloody diarrhea could include ulcerative colitis, amoebiasis, or shigellosis.
Diagnosis can be achieved through various methods such as a rectal exam, proctoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy, which involve internal inspections using rigid or flexible viewing instruments. Another option is a double-contrast barium X-ray test. Anyone over the age of 40 experiencing rectal bleeding should undergo thorough examination to eliminate the potential risk of colorectal cancer.