Bright red blood may be seen only on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement. This is usually from a haemorrhoid or anal fissure. A haemorrhoid is a swollen vein in the anal area. A fissure is a split in the anal mucosal surface. Both cause difficult and painful bowel movements.

Blood in the stool may also indicate an inflamed rectum or colon. These could become serious conditions. They usually are present with other symptoms. An inflamed rectum is usually caused by an infection. The cause of an inflamed colon is usually unknown.

Other symptoms may include:

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death. It can cause rectal bleeding. Polyps are often found before the cancer is diagnosed. Polyps are small growths from the inner lining of the colon. They may cause minor bleeding. This makes screening for blood in the stool a useful tool for early detection of colon cancer. The test can detect small amounts of blood that would typically go unnoticed.

Bleeding that occurs higher in the intestine than the colon may be maroon or black. Peptic ulcers cause black or tarry stools. Other causes include problems with blood vessels and overuse of alcohol or aspirin. Iron pills cause black stools, but do not cause bleeding.

If you notice rectal bleeding, consult your doctor. If your bleeding is non-stop or in large amounts, you should seek emergency care. Tests to find the source of the blood may include x-ray or endoscopy. Endoscopy is the passage of a long, flexible tube through the colon.

THE FOLLOWING TESTS ARE RECOMMENDED:

Article #5416

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