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

Blood in the stool?

Hello Doctor, I have had a history of pellet-like stools since childhood, but I do not experience constipation, as I usually have a bowel movement every one to two days.
Recently, I have noticed that when my stools are particularly hard, there is sometimes a small amount of bright red blood on the surface of the stool.
There is rarely blood on the toilet paper, and I have only noticed it a couple of times, but it was not significant.
I have seen many patients with hemorrhoids who have blood on the toilet paper and a lot of blood in the toilet, but I do not have a large amount of blood in the toilet, and it is not present every time on the paper.
Therefore, I would like to ask the doctor if this could be a mild case of hemorrhoids.
Occasionally, I experience a slight stinging sensation in the anal area, but it is not severe.
My bowel habits are generally normal; I do not have black stools, excessive mucus, or diarrhea, and I do not experience abdominal pain, although sometimes I feel like I do not completely empty my bowels.
Although the bleeding is infrequent, it causes me anxiety whenever it occurs, so I would like to ask the doctor if this could be a sign of colorectal cancer or the cause of the bleeding.
Thank you, Doctor.

Cindy, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/09/27

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery

Based on your description, it seems more like the typical symptoms of an anal fissure, which include pain during bowel movements accompanied by slight bleeding.
The causes are often related to constipation or diarrhea.
The fundamental treatment is to improve bowel habits, along with warm sitz baths.
Warm sitz baths can help alleviate pain, maintain cleanliness, and promote blood circulation.
You can also purchase hemorrhoid suppositories over the counter.
Although the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer at the age of 17 is not zero, it is generally very low.
It is advisable to maintain a light diet and good lifestyle habits, avoiding spicy, irritating, and greasy foods.
Increasing dietary fiber intake can also be beneficial.
If symptoms persist without improvement, you may consult a physician for medication or to undergo a colonoscopy.

Reply Date: 2020/09/27

More Info

When it comes to the presence of blood in stool, it is essential to approach the situation with caution and a clear understanding of the potential causes. The symptoms you describe, including occasional bright red blood on the surface of your stool and slight discomfort in the anal area, could indeed suggest a mild case of hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus that can cause bleeding, especially during bowel movements, particularly if the stool is hard or if there is straining involved.
However, it is crucial to note that while hemorrhoids are a common cause of rectal bleeding, they are not the only potential cause. Other conditions, some of which can be more serious, may also lead to blood in the stool. These include anal fissures, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and even colorectal cancer. Given your history of having hard stools, it is possible that you may have developed anal fissures, which are small tears in the lining of the anus that can occur due to passing hard stools and can cause bleeding and pain.

The fact that you do not experience black stools, which can indicate upper gastrointestinal bleeding, is a positive sign. Additionally, the absence of significant abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, or other systemic symptoms (like weight loss or fever) further suggests that the situation may not be severe. However, the occasional presence of blood, even if minor, should not be ignored.

Given your concerns about the possibility of colorectal cancer, it is important to consider your age, family history, and any other risk factors you may have. Colorectal cancer is more common in individuals over the age of 50, but it can occur in younger individuals as well, especially if there is a family history of the disease or certain genetic conditions.

To address your concerns effectively, I recommend the following steps:
1. Consult a Healthcare Provider: It is essential to discuss your symptoms with a healthcare professional, preferably a gastroenterologist. They can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination, a digital rectal exam, and possibly a colonoscopy to visualize the colon and rectum directly.

2. Dietary Adjustments: To prevent hard stools, consider increasing your fiber intake through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Staying well-hydrated is also crucial, as it can help soften stools and reduce the risk of straining during bowel movements.

3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your bowel habits, the frequency of bleeding, and any new symptoms that may arise. This information will be valuable for your healthcare provider.

4. Avoid Self-Diagnosis: While it is helpful to research and understand potential causes of your symptoms, self-diagnosis can lead to unnecessary anxiety. A healthcare provider can offer a more accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may suggest mild hemorrhoids, it is essential to rule out other potential causes of rectal bleeding. A proactive approach, including consulting with a healthcare provider and making dietary adjustments, can help manage your symptoms and alleviate your concerns. Remember, early detection and intervention are key in addressing any underlying health issues effectively.

Similar Q&A

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

Hello Doctor: Since I gave birth last year, I have been experiencing issues with hemorrhoids. Sometimes there is bleeding during bowel movements or anal fissures! I had an examination three to four months ago, and the doctor diagnosed me with internal and external hemorrhoids. Ye...

Dr. Cai Xingzhi reply Surgery
Hello, rectal bleeding can be classified into upper gastrointestinal bleeding and lower gastrointestinal bleeding. If the blood is bright red, it is primarily indicative of lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Please visit a colorectal surgery or gastroenterology clinic for evaluatio...

Understanding Bright Red Blood in Stool: Is It Hemorrhoids?

Recently, I've been under a lot of work stress, and I noticed blood when I went to the bathroom! The blood is bright red and there is a significant amount; even after flushing, there is still blood in the toilet. I feel a bit of pain when having a bowel movement. Is it more ...

Dr. Xu Kaixi reply Surgery
Hello: Blood in the stool is considered an abnormal symptom, and the potential diagnoses range from common hemorrhoids to other serious gastrointestinal diseases. Based on your description, the likelihood of hemorrhoidal bleeding is the highest. It is recommended that you visit a...

Understanding Blood in Stool: Is It Hemorrhoids or Something Else?

Hello, I previously had blood in my stool twice, but it was only on the toilet paper after wiping. This time, there was a faint blood color in the toilet water, and there was a small amount on the toilet paper. My stool is hard, and I need to exert more effort. Could this be hemo...

Dr. Xu Kaixi reply Surgery
Rectal bleeding is considered an abnormal symptom and can range from common conditions like hemorrhoids to more serious gastrointestinal diseases. Based on your description, the likelihood of hemorrhoidal bleeding is the highest. It is recommended that you visit a hospital's...

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.