Causes of Rectal Bleeding

There are several health conditions that can cause rectal bleeding, such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, polyps, or cancer. As a result, the manner and severity in which the bleeding appears can vary. Sometimes, the blood is bright red; other times, it is darker in color. While rectal bleeding is rarely life-threatening, in some cases it is quite serious. Therefore, rectal bleeding should always be reported to your doctor.

Rectal Bleed

What Causes Rectal Bleeding?

The most common cause of rectal bleeding is hemorrhoids. However, more serious causes of rectal bleeding can occur. So while the causes may or may not turn out to be serious, it is still important to locate the source of the bleeding.

It is important that you see your healthcare provider if you have rectal bleeding and:

You are older than 50
Have a family history of colon or rectal cancer
Bleeding occurs between bowel movements
The blood is dark red or maroon
You have tar-like, black stools.

How Anatomy Affects Rectal Bleeding

The digestive or gastrointestinal (GI) tract includes the:

Esophagus
Stomach
Small intestine
Large intestine (colon)
Rectum
Anus.

Rectal bleeding can come from one or more of these areas. For example, bleeding may come from a small area, such as an ulcer on the lining of the stomach, or from a large surface, such as an inflammation of the colon.

Rectal bleeding can sometimes occur without the person noticing it. This type of bleeding is called occult, or hidden, bleeding. Fortunately, simple tests can detect occult blood in the stool.

(Causes of Rectal Bleeding Continued: Page 2)