Blood in Stool: Is It Hemorrhoids or Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

Loose stools mixed with blood?

Last February, I had a colonoscopy due to blood in my stool.
The results indicated non-specific colitis, and after taking medication for a week, I was told I was fine and did not undergo further testing.
During this time, I have visited the doctor multiple times for anal fissures, and each time the diagnosis was anal tear.
Recently, I have noticed that while my bowel movements are painless and smooth, there is still blood present, which doesn't feel like an anal fissure since there is no pain.
Additionally, for several days, my stool has been brick red and seems to be mixed with blood.
Is this a recurrence of the fissure, or could my colitis actually still be unresolved? If I leave this untreated, could it lead to cancer?

You Liu Xiao Jie, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/02/24

Dr. Xu Kaixi reply Surgery

The presence of blood in the stool is an abnormal symptom that can range from common hemorrhoids to other serious gastrointestinal diseases.
Since you had a colonoscopy last year, the possibility of a tumor can be initially ruled out.
As for whether it is due to inflammatory bowel disease or other causes, it is recommended that you visit a hospital's surgical or gastroenterology department for further examination.

Reply Date: 2020/02/24

More Info

Understanding blood in stool can be a complex issue, as it can arise from various causes, including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. Given your history of non-specific colitis and recurrent anal fissures, it is essential to approach this situation with caution and seek further evaluation.

Firstly, let's discuss the potential causes of blood in the stool. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus that can cause bleeding, especially during bowel movements. The blood from hemorrhoids is typically bright red and may be seen on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl. If you have a history of hemorrhoids, it is possible that they could be the source of the bleeding, especially if you are experiencing any straining during bowel movements.

On the other hand, anal fissures are small tears in the lining of the anus, often caused by passing hard stools. While fissures can be painful, it is possible for them to heal and still cause occasional bleeding, especially if there is any irritation or if you experience constipation again. The fact that you are not experiencing pain during bowel movements could suggest that the fissure has healed, but it does not rule out the possibility of irritation or a new fissure developing.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is another potential cause of blood in the stool. In your case, since you were previously diagnosed with non-specific colitis, it is important to consider whether your condition has progressed or if there is ongoing inflammation in the intestines. Symptoms of IBD can include diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue, in addition to blood in the stool. If you have not had a follow-up colonoscopy since your initial diagnosis, it may be prudent to discuss this with your healthcare provider, as ongoing inflammation can lead to complications over time.

Regarding your concern about cancer, it is understandable to feel anxious about the possibility, especially given your history. While the presence of blood in the stool can be alarming, it is essential to remember that not all cases of blood in the stool indicate cancer. However, persistent changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or ongoing symptoms warrant further investigation to rule out more serious conditions.

In summary, the presence of blood in your stool could be due to hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or ongoing inflammation from your previous diagnosis of colitis. It is crucial to consult with a gastroenterologist or your primary care physician to discuss your symptoms in detail. They may recommend further testing, such as a colonoscopy, to assess the health of your colon and rectum and to determine the underlying cause of the bleeding. Early detection and intervention are key to managing any gastrointestinal issues effectively, so do not hesitate to seek medical advice.

Similar Q&A

How to Differentiate Blood in Stool: Hemorrhoids vs. Colon Cancer

Is there a way to distinguish whether the blood in the stool is due to hemorrhoids or possibly colon cancer? If the blood is bright red and mostly remains on the toilet paper (with none on the stool), does this indicate it is caused by hemorrhoids?

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Generally speaking, if blood is separate from the stool, it may indicate bleeding from the anal area or near the rectum, which suggests a higher likelihood of hemorrhoids. However, anal cancer or rectal cancer near the anus cannot be completely ruled out. If blood is mixed...

Blood in Stool: Is It Related to Hemorrhoids or Something More Serious?

Recently, I experienced pain in my buttocks and after examination, I was diagnosed with internal hemorrhoids. There was no bleeding until today, after undergoing a digital rectal exam, I noticed a trace of blood in my stool (the image is linked above). I would like to know if thi...

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
It may be bleeding from the anal microvessels, which is associated with internal hemorrhoids or anal fissures and is not related to colorectal cancer.

Understanding Blood in Stool: Could It Be Hemorrhoids?

Doctor, I noticed bright red blood in my stool after the first bowel movement a few days ago, but I haven't experienced this issue since then. Could this be related to hemorrhoids?

Dr. Li Bozhang reply Surgery
It could be hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or other colorectal issues. It is recommended to consult a colorectal surgeon for a definitive diagnosis.

Is It Hemorrhoids or Colon Cancer? Understanding Blood in Stool

I would like to ask the doctor about having blood in the stool. The toilet bowl does not have red blood, but there is blood when wiping. Could this be hemorrhoids or colorectal cancer?

Dr. Yu Mingchang reply Surgery
If you have a higher likelihood of hemorrhoids, it's advisable to consult a colorectal specialist.