Is it normal to have rectal bleeding

In many cases, a doctor will remove polyps so they can be tested for signs of cancer and to avoid the risk of them becoming cancerous. Cancer that impacts the colon or rectum can cause irritation, inflammation, and bleeding. As many as 48 percent of people with colorectal cancer have experienced rectal bleeding. Colon cancer is a very common form of cancer and tends to progress slowly, so it is often treatable if caught early. Rectal cancer, while far rarer than colon cancer, is also usually curable if detected and treated in time.

Some cases of colon and rectal cancer develop from initially benign polyps. All cases of gastrointestinal cancer require treatment, which usually involves a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy , and surgery. Major injury to any of the gastrointestinal organs can result in internal bleeding that passes through the rectum. Severe gastrointestinal disease can also lead to internal bleeding. Occasional minor to mild rectal bleeding is extremely common and will often not need medical attention or treatment.

Severe, chronic, or painful rectal bleeding may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition and should be assessed by a doctor. People normally notice rectal bleeding when they see streaks or drips of blood in their stool, the toilet bowl, or when wiping. Some people might also find blood in their underwear, or the toilet water may appear reddish-pink after they go to the bathroom.

Some cases of rectal bleeding also cause very bad smelling, dark, tarry stool mixed with very dark red to black blood. If bleeding is associated with an already diagnosed medical condition, a doctor will discuss ways to manage, reduce, and track symptoms. Depending on the severity, frequency, and accompanying symptoms, the doctor will work out if further testing is required.

A doctor may also make a referral to a gastrointestinal or colorectal specialist. In some cases, there is no real way to prevent minor cases of rectal bleeding. However, some factors are known to cause, contribute to, or worsen rectal bleeding. People may wish to talk to a doctor about gastrointestinal symptoms that may be a sign of underlying conditions, including infections, digestive conditions, or abnormal growths. A few occasional drops or streaks of blood in the toilet, when wiping, or in the stool, is usually not a worry.

Some people may avoid talking with their doctor about rectal bleeding out of embarrassment and anxiety , even in moderate or severe cases. While rare, heavy or chronic rectal bleeding can cause serious blood loss or be a sign of an underlying condition that requires treatment. People should see a doctor about rectal bleeding that is chronic or noticeable, abnormal growths around the anus.

It is also a good idea to talk with a doctor about rectal bleeding that does not respond to home remedies. People should seek emergency medical attention for rectal bleeding or stool that is very dark, especially if they are also vomiting or coughing up blood. It is also vital to seek immediate help for bleeding that lasts for more than a few minutes or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as severe pain, fever, or weakness.

Read the article in Spanish here. Rectal prolapse is a condition where the rectum protrudes from the anus. It can result from pregnancy, straining during constipation, and some medical…. For those with significant symptoms, surgery may be required. Your doctor may examine the anus visually to look for anal fissures, cancer, or external hemorrhoids, or the doctor may perform an internal examination with a gloved, lubricated finger to feel for abnormalities in the lower rectum and anal canal.

If indicated, your doctor may also perform a procedure called colonoscopy. In this procedure, a flexible, lighted tube about the thickness of your finger is inserted into the anus to examine the entire colon.

Sedative medications are typically given for colonoscopy to make you sleepy and decrease any discomfort. As an alternative, to evaluate your bleeding your doctor may recommend a flexible sigmoidoscopy, which uses a shorter tube with a camera to examine the lower colon.

To examine only the lower rectum and anal canal, an anoscope may be used. This very short 3 to 4 inch tube is especially useful when your doctor suspects hemorrhoids, anal cancer, or anal fissures. This depends on the cause of the rectal bleeding.

You should talk to your doctor about specific management options. Important Reminder: This information is intended only to provide general guidance. It does not provide definitive medical advice. It is very important that you consult your doctor about your specific condition. Understanding Minor Rectal Bleeding What are the possible causes of minor rectal bleeding?

Hemorrhoids Anal fissures Proctitis inflammation of the rectum Polyps Colon or anal cancer Rectal ulcers Understanding Minor Rectal Bleeding Minor rectal bleeding refers to the passage of a few drops of bright red fresh blood from the rectum, which may appear on the stool, on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl.

What are hemorrhoids? How are hemorrhoids treated? What are anal fissures? What is proctitis? What are colon polyps? What is colon cancer? What are rectal ulcers? How is minor rectal bleeding evaluated? What can I do to prevent further rectal bleeding?

See more conditions. Request Appointment. Symptoms Rectal bleeding. Definition Causes When to see a doctor. Products and services. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information.

Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Strate L. Etiology of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in adults. Accessed Jan. Gastrointestinal bleeding.