Rectal Bleeding

Possible causes of minor rectal bleeding?

1. Proctitis
2. Colon or anal cancer
3. Hemorrhoids
4. Rectal ulcers
5. Anal fissures
6. Polyps

Understanding Minor Rectal Bleeding

Minor rectal bleeding refers back to the passage of a few drops of bright red blood in the rectum, which may appear on the stool, about the toilet paper or in the bathroom, bowl. This brochure deals with minor rectal bleeding occurring from time to time. Continuous passage of significantly greater amounts of blood from the rectum or stools that seem black, tarry or maroon in color could be caused by other diseases that won't be discussed here. Call patient’s doctor immediately if these more serious conditions occur. Since there are a number of possible causes for minor rectal bleeding, an entire evaluation and early diagnosis by patient’s physician is very important. Rectal bleeding, be it minor or otherwise, could be a characteristic of colon cancer, a kind of cancer that can be cured if discovered early.

What is proctitis?

Proctitis refers to inflammation of the lining of the rectum. It can be brought on by previous radiation therapy for various cancers, medications, infections or perhaps a limited type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Patient can get the feeling that he/she simply didn’t wholly empty his/her bowels after a bowel movement, and could provide him/her with the frequent urge to have a bowel movement. Other symptoms consist of passing mucus through the rectum, rectal bleeding and pain in the region of the anus and rectum. Treatment for proctitis depends on the reason. Patient’s doctor will discuss the right course of action with him/her.

What is colon cancer?

Colon cancer refers to cancer that begins within the large intestine. Fortunately, it is generally a slow-growing cancer that can be cured if detected early. Most colon cancers develop from colon polyps during a period of several years. Therefore, removing colon polyps reduces the risk for colon cancer. Anal cancer is more rare but treatable when diagnosed early.

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels within the anus and rectum that become engorged from enhanced pressure, much like what occurs in spider veins within the legs. Hemorrhoids may either be internal or external. Hemorrhoids are the most common reason for minor rectal bleeding, and therefore are usually not associated with pain. Bleeding from hemorrhoids is usually related to bowel movements, or it may also stain the bathroom, paper with blood. The exact reason for bleeding from hemorrhoids isn't identified, however it often seems to be associated with constipation, diarrhea, sitting or standing for long periods, obesity heavy-lifting and pregnancy. Symptoms from hemorrhoids may run in certain families. Hemorrhoids are also more prevalent as we grow older. Fortunately, this very common condition does not result in cancer.

How are hemorrhoids treated?

Treatment of hemorrhoids includes treatment of any underlying constipation, taking warm baths and applying an over-the-counter cream or suppository that may contain hydrocortisone. If medical treatment fails there are a variety of ways to lessen the dimensions or eliminate internal hemorrhoids. Each method varies in its success rate, risks and recovery time. Your physician will discuss these options with you. Rubber band ligation is the most common outpatient procedure for hemorrhoids in the United States. It involves placing rubber bands around the base of an internal hemorrhoid to chop off its circulation. This will cause the hemorrhoid to shrink, as well as in a few days both hemorrhoid and also the rubber band fall off throughout a bowel movement. Probable difficulties include pain, bleeding and infection. After band ligation, your doctor may prescribe medicines, including pain medicine and stool softeners, before sending you home. Patient should speak to his/her physician immediately if he/she see severe pain, fever or significant rectal bleeding. Laser or infrared coagulation and sclerotherapy will also be office based treatment procedures, whilst they are less common. Surgery to get rid of hemorrhoids may be required in severe cases or if signs and symptoms persist despite rubber band ligation, coagulation or sclerotherapy.

What are rectal ulcers?

Individual rectal ulcer syndrome is definitely an uncommon condition that may affect both men and women, and it is associated with long-standing constipation and prolonged straining in the course of bowel movement. On this situation, an area in the rectum results in passing blood and mucus in the rectum. Treatment involves fiber supplements to relieve constipation. For all those with substantial symptoms, surgery may be required.

How minor rectal bleeding is evaluated?

Patient’s doctor may examine the anus visually to consider anal fissures, cancer, or external hemorrhoids, or the physician may perform an interior examination with a gloved, lubricated finger to feel for irregularities within the lower rectum and anal canal. If indicated, his/her doctor could also perform a procedure called colonoscopy. On this procedure, a flexible, lighted tube about the thickness of the finger is placed to the anus to examine the entire colon. Sedative medications are typically given for colonoscopy to help you sleepy and reduce any soreness. As an alternative, to judge patient’s bleeding his/her doctor may recommend a flexible sigmoidoscopy, which uses a shorter tube having a camera to examine the lower colon. To look at only the lower rectum and anal canal, an anoscope can be utilized. This very short (Three or four inch) tube is particularly beneficial whenever your physician suspects hemorrhoids, anal cancer, or anal fissures.

So what can I do to avoid further rectal bleeding?

This depends upon the cause of the rectal bleeding. Patient should speak to his or her physician about particular management options.

What are anal fissures?

Tears that occur in the liner from the anus are known as anal fissures. This problem is most commonly brought on by constipation and passing hard stools, even though it could also derive from diarrhea or inflammation within the anus. Along with causing bleeding in the rectum, anal fissures may also result in a large amount of pain during and soon after going number 2. Most fissures are treated effectively with simple remedies such as fiber supplements, stool softeners and warm baths. Patient’s physician could also prescribe a cream to assuage the inflamed area. Other options for fissures that do not recover with medication include treatment to relax the muscles round the anus or surgery.

What are colon polyps?

Polyps are benign growths inside the lining of the large bowel. Although most do not cause symptoms, some polyps found in the lower colon and rectum could cause minor bleeding. It is important to remove these polyps because a number of them may afterwards become colon cancer if kept alone.