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What Does Presence Of Blood In The Stool Indicate?
It appears I have blood in my stool. Stool is not particularly dark but, it seemed that blood was coming from the inside of the stool rather than around the outside ie from a hemorrhoid or something like that. Should I be concerned or wait to see if it continues to happen...
Wed, 4 Jan 2017
Hello and welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
If you have a history of hemorrhoids then this may the cause of your bleeding though the blood in this case tends to be seen mainly on wiping after a bowel movement. If you are less than 50 then the more dangerous causes of blood in the stool, such as cancer, are not likely.
If you are over 50 and had a recent colonoscopy (within the past 1 to 3 years), then cancer is also less likely since these usually take a long time to develop.The other causes of blood in the stool are:
(1) infection
(2) diverticulitis- this is infection of the diverticuli. Diverticuli are outpockets/outpouches in the colon
(3) trauma
(4) benign lesions or growths in the colon
(5) constipation and straining
If you are over 50, there is no recent screening or there is a family history of colonic cancer, then you should be seen by your doctor for assessment.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
If you have a history of hemorrhoids then this may the cause of your bleeding though the blood in this case tends to be seen mainly on wiping after a bowel movement. If you are less than 50 then the more dangerous causes of blood in the stool, such as cancer, are not likely.
If you are over 50 and had a recent colonoscopy (within the past 1 to 3 years), then cancer is also less likely since these usually take a long time to develop.The other causes of blood in the stool are:
(1) infection
(2) diverticulitis- this is infection of the diverticuli. Diverticuli are outpockets/outpouches in the colon
(3) trauma
(4) benign lesions or growths in the colon
(5) constipation and straining
If you are over 50, there is no recent screening or there is a family history of colonic cancer, then you should be seen by your doctor for assessment.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James
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