the Causes of Blood in Stool: Should You Worry? - Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Q: the Causes of Blood in Stool: Should You Worry?

Hello： In terms of age, the likelihood of colorectal cancer is low; most cases are usually anal fissures or hemorrhoids. <br>If there is persistent bleeding, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist to determine the cause. <br>Changhua Hospital cares about your health. <

Stool with trace amounts of blood?

Having bowel movements 1 to 3 times a day with normal color is generally considered normal.
However, noticing a small amount of bright red blood in the water, while the stool itself remains normal in color, can be concerning.
It is important to note that the presence of bright red blood can be due to various reasons, such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or other benign conditions.
While colorectal cancer is a possibility, especially if there are other symptoms or risk factors, it is not the only explanation.
Since you are not experiencing discomfort, abdominal pain, or constipation, it may not be urgent, but it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and appropriate tests to rule out any serious conditions.

Miss Lin, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/08/29

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: In terms of age, the likelihood of colorectal cancer is low; most cases are usually anal fissures or hemorrhoids.
If there is persistent bleeding, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist to determine the cause.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Dr.
Tsai An-shun.

Reply Date: 2016/08/29

More Info

Seeing blood in your stool can be alarming, and it's understandable to be concerned about potential serious conditions such as colorectal cancer. However, it's important to note that there are many possible causes for the presence of blood in the stool, and not all of them are indicative of cancer.

In your case, since you mentioned that the blood is bright red and appears in the water but the stool itself remains normal in color, this could suggest that the bleeding is coming from the lower part of the gastrointestinal tract, such as the rectum or anus. Common causes of bright red blood in the stool include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, diverticular disease, or even infections. Hemorrhoids, for instance, are swollen blood vessels in the rectal area that can bleed during bowel movements, especially if there is straining involved. Anal fissures, which are small tears in the lining of the anus, can also cause bright red blood.

While colorectal cancer is a serious concern, especially for individuals over the age of 50 or those with a family history of the disease, it is less common in younger individuals without other risk factors. The absence of other symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, weight loss, or fatigue is reassuring. However, it is crucial to take any instance of blood in the stool seriously and seek medical evaluation.

A healthcare provider will likely recommend a thorough examination, which may include a physical examination, a digital rectal exam, and possibly further diagnostic tests such as a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy allows for direct visualization of the colon and rectum and can help identify the source of bleeding. If any abnormalities are found, biopsies can be taken to rule out cancer or other conditions.

In summary, while the presence of blood in your stool can be concerning, it is not automatically indicative of colorectal cancer, especially given your age and lack of additional symptoms. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the cause of the bleeding and to ensure appropriate management. Early detection and intervention are key in addressing any potential issues, so do not hesitate to seek medical advice.

Similar Q&A

Blood in Stool: What You Need to Know and Do

Dear Doctor, Yesterday, I noticed blood in my stool and also found blood on the toilet paper after wiping. Could you please advise me on how to proceed? I would be very grateful.

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the presence of blood in the stool may be caused by hemorrhoids, anal fissures, inflammatory bowel disease, tumors, polyps, or diverticular bleeding, with hemorrhoidal bleeding being the most common. It is advisable to consume more fruits, vegetables, and fluids to maintai...

Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help

I have been experiencing diarrhea every morning lately, but today I noticed some blood in my stool. Could this be due to anal fissures or hemorrhoids? I hope it's not colon cancer. Should I get a stool test done? The bleeding is occasional, not frequent, so is this serious, ...

Dr. Yang Zhichao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Outpatient services available.

Is Blood in Stool Normal? Understanding Surgical Concerns

Is it normal to have blood in the stool suddenly?

Dr. Xu Kaixi reply Surgery
Blood in the stool is an abnormal phenomenon, and there are many potential causes for gastrointestinal bleeding. To avoid unnecessary speculation and anxiety, it is recommended that you visit a hospital's surgical or internal medicine outpatient clinic for examination.

Is Blood in Stool Normal? When to Seek Gastroenterology Care

Having blood in your stool can be concerning and may not be normal. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for an evaluation. They may recommend an office visit for further examination and tests to determine the cause of the bleeding.

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: There are many reasons for blood in the stool, including enteritis, hemorrhoids, or tumors in the lower part of the colon. If you have any questions, please consult a gastroenterologist to understand the details. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun