What Does Blood In The Stool Indicate In An Elderly?
Question: Hi, My father is 80 years old and has blood in the stool and a low red blood cell count. He's in good general physical condition, except for Alzheimer's. He's on medication for cholesterol, thyroid and an anti-depressant and I believe also a blood thinner. What could be the most likely causes?
Brief Answer:
Advice to undergo colonoscopy
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for trusting HCM
Blood in stools can due to several reasons including Hemorrhoids, Angiodysplasia (vascular malformation), Diverticulosis, polyps or colon cancer.
Most concerning issue here is colon carcinoma, especially in older men.
Rectal examination, stool analysis, and colonoscopy are recommended at this point.
Since your father is already admitted, please inform his treating physician regarding the bleeding per rectum to undergo further evaluation.
I also recommend getting his Hemoglobin levels checked and to assess the need for blood transfusion.
Hope this answers your questions
Please address further questions here
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi
Advice to undergo colonoscopy
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for trusting HCM
Blood in stools can due to several reasons including Hemorrhoids, Angiodysplasia (vascular malformation), Diverticulosis, polyps or colon cancer.
Most concerning issue here is colon carcinoma, especially in older men.
Rectal examination, stool analysis, and colonoscopy are recommended at this point.
Since your father is already admitted, please inform his treating physician regarding the bleeding per rectum to undergo further evaluation.
I also recommend getting his Hemoglobin levels checked and to assess the need for blood transfusion.
Hope this answers your questions
Please address further questions here
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D