What are the possible causes of blood in the stool? Specifically blood seen when wiping?
REPLY:
Over a lifetime it is probably not uncommon to see rectal bleeding under certain circumstances such as passing a very hard or dry stool or after a protracted bout of diarrhea. Too often we blame fresh bright red blood on "hemorrhoids" or "piles" but do not do anything to prove that this is indeed the cause of the visible bleeding.
Other colon and rectal problems can lead to visible bleeding (in contrast to blood which is hidden in an otherwise normal appearing bowel movement and which can only be detected with special chemical tests on the stool).
Some of these other conditions include anal fissures, proctitis or colitis, colon polyps, diverticulosis, and even cancer of the rectum and colon. Because the possibilities are each treated in a different fashion it is important to know for sure what is causing the bleeding. If you see blood when you move your bowels or from the rectum at any time discuss this with your doctor at the earliest opportunity so a serious problem is not otherwise missed, ignored, or left untreated. --
Bruce Sckolnick, M.D.
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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