Understanding Minor Rectal Bleeding

What is minor rectal bleeding?

Minor rectal bleeding is defined as rectal bleeding that involves the passage of a few drops of blood, which is fresh and bright red in color, into the toilet bowl or toilet paper during bowel movements. Blood may also appear in the stool. If rectal bleeding occurs frequently and not just occasionally, the patient should make an appointment to talk to their doctor as it may be related to a more serious condition. Patients should make an appointment immediately if they notice a significant amount of blood in their stools and if the stool appears black, maroon, or tarry in color. Patients should also make an appointment to see their doctor about minor rectal bleeding, as it can be a symptom of colon cancer which is best detected early.

What are the causes and symptoms of minor rectal bleeding?

There are several different causes of rectal bleeding, and symptoms can vary depending on the condition. One cause of minor rectal bleeding, anal fissures, is the result of a tear in the lining of the anus. This condition can be caused by passing hard stools, constipation, or diarrhea and inflammation in the anus. Patients may also experience pain during and after bowel movements. Minor rectal bleeding may also be caused by hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the anus caused by increased pressure and can either be located inside of the anus or under the skin around the anus. Hemorrhoid bleeding is most commonly associated with bowel movements, and their cause is unknown. They can be related to constipation, sitting or standing for long periods, pregnancy, obesity, heavy lifting, and diarrhea. Proctitis is another known cause of minor rectal bleeding, and the condition involves the inflammation of the rectum’s lining. It can be the result of radiation therapy, medications, inflammatory bowel disease, or infections. Symptoms of this condition can include passing mucus, the feeling that the bowels have not completely emptied after a bowel movement, and experiencing frequent urges to have bowel movements. Colon polyps and colon cancer are also causes of minor rectal bleeding, and patients should ask their doctor about routine screenings. In addition, rectal ulcers can also lead to minor rectal bleeding and are associated with straining during bowel movements and constipation.

What is the diagnosis and treatment like for colon cancer?

In order to diagnose minor rectal bleeding, a doctor will examine the anus and evaluate the area for cancer, external hemorrhoids, or anal fissures. They may also perform an internal examination in order to check for abnormalities of the anal canal and lower rectum. A colonoscopy procedure may also be required. In addition, the physician may use a flexible sigmoidoscopy to examine the patient’s lower colon. An anoscope can also be used to examine the lower rectum and anal canal.

Treatment for minor rectal bleeding caused by anal fissures can involve fiber supplements, warm baths, and stool softeners. In severe cases, surgical procedures or treatments to relax the muscles surrounding the anus may be required.  To treat hemorrhoids, the patient may be directed to apply over-the-counter cream and take warm baths. Procedures to treat hemorrhoids can include rubber band ligation, laser or infrared coagulation, sclerotherapy, and surgery. If the patient’s minor rectal bleeding is related to proctitis, treatment can vary based on the cause of the condition. Treatment for colon cancer and polyps can also vary based on the stage of the cancer and whether or not the polyps are cancerous. Rectal ulcers can be treated with fiber supplements, which can relieve constipation. However, surgery may be required in severe cases.

Patients should talk to their doctor if they are experiencing minor rectal bleeding. Treating the conditions associated with minor rectal bleeding can improve their quality of life and may help prevent cancer.

Contact the specialists at Granite State Gastroenterology to learn more about minor rectal bleeding and discuss treatment options.