Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help

Occasional blood in the stool?

Hello, Doctor.
I have been troubled by bowel movement issues for a long time.
My bowel movement conditions are as follows: 1.
Sometimes there is blood, sometimes there isn't.
2.
Sometimes there is transparent mucus, sometimes there isn't.
3.
Occasionally, there is a tearing sensation during bowel movements.
4.
I can feel a round mass at the anal opening with my hand; sometimes it is large, sometimes small, especially after bleeding when it becomes smaller.
5.
Normally, I have a bowel movement once a day.
6.
The amount varies; sometimes it's more, sometimes less, and sometimes it's thin, sometimes thick.
Recently, the size has been about 2 to 3 centimeters in diameter.
7.
I noticed that if I only eat vegetables, I tend to have bleeding during bowel movements, but if I eat some meat, it doesn't happen.
8.
There is no family history of disease.
9.
My weight is normal, with no gain or loss.
10.
My routine is to go to bed before midnight and wake up before 9 AM.
11.
I work at a computer for over 10 hours a day.
12.
About a year ago, I had a fecal occult blood test and a colon cancer screening, and the results were normal at that time.
13.
In May of this year, I underwent a military health examination, which showed low white blood cell counts, but it did not affect the results.

Doctor, do these conditions resemble colon cancer? I have some concerns.
Thank you for your response.

mie, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2014/07/14

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery

A 32-year-old individual with bowel-related issues has undergone a colorectal cancer screening, which returned normal results.
In this case, the likelihood of colorectal cancer should not be suspected.
However, if you are still concerned, undergoing a colonoscopy could help alleviate your worries.
Nonetheless, if gastrointestinal symptoms persist, based on your description, it seems more likely to be irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
It would be advisable to consult a gastroenterologist for medication management.

Reply Date: 2014/07/14

More Info

Understanding blood in stool can be a concerning issue, and it’s important to approach this topic with care. Based on the symptoms you've described, there are several potential causes for the presence of blood in your stool, and it’s essential to consider these in the context of your overall health and medical history.

1. Possible Causes:
- Hemorrhoids: One of the most common causes of blood in the stool is hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus. They can cause bright red blood during bowel movements, especially if there is straining involved.

- Anal Fissures: The sensation of tearing or pain during bowel movements, along with the presence of blood, could indicate anal fissures. These are small tears in the lining of the anus, often caused by passing hard stools.

- Diverticular Disease: Diverticulosis, which involves the formation of small pouches in the colon wall, can lead to diverticulitis, where these pouches become inflamed or infected, potentially causing bleeding.

- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can lead to inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in symptoms such as blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits.

- Polyps or Colorectal Cancer: While your previous screenings were normal, it’s important to note that polyps can develop over time, and some may become cancerous. Blood in the stool, especially if it is dark or tarry, can be a sign of more serious conditions, including colorectal cancer.

2. When to Seek Help:
- Given your symptoms, especially the intermittent presence of blood, the sensation of a lump, and changes in stool consistency, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Significant or persistent bleeding
- Severe abdominal pain
- Changes in bowel habits that last more than a few days
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue or weakness
3. Diagnostic Steps:
- A thorough evaluation by a gastroenterologist is recommended. This may include a physical examination, a detailed medical history, and possibly further diagnostic tests such as a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy allows for direct visualization of the colon and rectum and can help identify any abnormalities, such as polyps, fissures, or signs of inflammation.

4. Lifestyle Considerations:
- Your diet seems to influence your symptoms, particularly the presence of blood when consuming only vegetables. This could suggest that your stool may be harder or that you are experiencing some form of irritation. Ensuring adequate fiber intake, hydration, and possibly incorporating a balanced diet that includes both fruits, vegetables, and proteins can help maintain regular bowel movements and reduce strain.

5. Mental Health Aspect:
- It’s understandable to feel anxious about these symptoms, especially with concerns about colorectal cancer. It’s important to address these feelings, as stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal issues. Consider discussing your concerns with a healthcare provider who can provide reassurance and support.

In summary, while your symptoms could be indicative of several benign conditions, it is crucial to rule out more serious issues. Regular check-ups and being proactive about your health can help manage these symptoms effectively. Please consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and tailored advice.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help

Finding blood in your stool, especially if it is not bright red, can be indicative of several potential issues. It may suggest the presence of conditions such as hemorrhoids, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or even more serious conditions like colorectal c...

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
If the stool is dark red, it does not necessarily indicate bleeding. To determine whether it is bleeding, a stool test is required. At the age of 23, it is mostly likely hemorrhoidal bleeding. As long as there is no further bleeding, it should not be a concern. It is recommended ...

Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help

Hello, doctor. I am a 19-year-old college student. Recently, I have been experiencing blood in my stool frequently, sometimes a lot, resembling urine in flow, and at other times just a small amount on the toilet paper. Sometimes I see blood during bowel movements, and sometimes I...

Dr. Su Baojia reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
If there is blood in the stool and significant bleeding, it is important to see a gastroenterologist for an examination as soon as possible. The causes may include hemorrhoids, colorectal cancer, or colonic ulcers, among others, and should not be taken lightly. Otherwise, it coul...

Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help

Hello doctor, I have a question. Today when I went to the bathroom, there was no blood in my stool, but after straining a bit, I noticed fresh red blood on the edge of the stool. The first time I wiped, there was blood, but the second time there was none. I had a stool test done ...

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, it is advisable to investigate the cause of blood in the stool in order to provide appropriate treatment. Common causes of blood in the stool include anal fissures, hemorrhoids, rectal or colon polyps, tumors, or inflammation. It is recommended to increase fiber and fluid ...

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...