The presence of visible blood in stool can be alarming. Many people associate this symptom with colorectal cancer. However, blood in the stool is not only a sign of cancer – it can also occur in many other conditions.
Main causes:
Hemorrhoids:
Bright red blood appears in small amounts, usually separate from the stool. It may be accompanied by itching, pain, and the prolapse of hemorrhoidal nodes.
Anal fissure:
Cracks in the anal canal that cause pain. The blood is bright red and not mixed with stool. Pain typically occurs during or right after defecation.
Colorectal cancer:
Blood can be dark red or black. It usually appears at the beginning of defecation. Sometimes the entire stool may be discolored by blood. Other signs include abdominal pain, mucus in the stool, weight loss, and fatigue.
Ulcerative colitis:
Blood is mixed with mucus in the stool. In advanced stages, blood may be released even without defecation. Other symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and general weakness.
Other causes:
Stomach and duodenal ulcers, Crohn’s disease, intestinal polyps, sexually transmitted infections (such as syphilis or gonorrhea), and various intestinal infections like dysentery, salmonellosis, rotavirus, etc.
What should you do?
The right step is to consult a doctor – preferably a proctologist – who will determine the exact cause of bleeding and prescribe the appropriate treatment. According to statistics, 60–70% of rectal bleeding cases are caused by hemorrhoids, which can be effectively treated with modern medicine.
Self-diagnosing and self-medicating may worsen the condition. If you notice even a small amount of blood in your stool, do not delay your visit to the doctor.
What does blood in stool mean and what causes it?
Seeing blood in the stool is a symptom that can cause concern for both parents and adults. Blood in the stool can appear in two ways:
- If the bleeding occurs in the upper part of the intestine, it may appear dark in color.
- If it occurs in the lower part, it may appear bright red.
Blood in the stool can result from minor issues, such as hemorrhoids or small skin tears, but it can also be a sign of more serious conditions. For this reason, if you notice blood in your stool-especially when accompanied by other symptoms like pain, fatigue, or fever - it is important to seek medical examination immediately. If you have concerns about blood in your stool, you can visit Saglam Aile Medical Center, where our professional doctors will examine the situation and determine the underlying cause. For an accurate diagnosis, we recommend consulting us without delay.
Attention: Attempting to determine the cause of blood in the stool on your own, based solely on symptoms, and self-medicating can worsen the condition and negatively affect your overall clinical prognosis. Therefore, Saglam Aile Medical Center strongly advises not to postpone a doctor’s visit if you notice even a small amount of blood in your stool.