Colon Cancer Forum - Causes for rectal bleeding and colon cancer

Cancer > Colon Cancer Forum > Causes for rectal bleeding and colon cancer

TOPICS DOCTOR QUESTIONS

Cancer

Millions of Americans are diagnosed with cancer. But what exactly is cancer and how does it affect the body?...

Q: Causes for rectal bleeding and colon cancer

asked by: DoctorQuestion on February 6th, 2009

I understand that a person can have rectal bleeding as a result of hemmoroids. I have some small external hemmoroids from having two kids, so I have had rectal bleeding before after having a difficult bowel movement. My current situation is different. I have been eating better and exercising, so my bowel movements have been very easy for the last two weeks, and yet I have lots of rectal bleeding with each bowel movement. There seems to be blood on the stool and what seems like a lot in the bowl. How long should rectal bleeding last if it is related to hemmoroids? I was waiting to see if it would just go away on its own, but usually when I have rectal bleeding it stops after a few days. Is it unusual for hemmoroidal bleeding to last this long?

Replies(1)

Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD

replied on February 9th, 2009

Colon Cancer Answer A5724

Hemorrhoids and anal fissures are the most common reasons for rectal bleeding. In these cases bleeding usually occurs when the stool is hard. Blood is usually located on the stool. Presence of blood inside the stool could suggest that bleeding originates from an upper part of the bowels. Rectal bleeding in the case of hemorrhoids or an anal fissure usually lasts as long as the hemorrhoids are wounded and inflamed or the fissure is open. Hard stools provoke and maintain the bleeding.

You can request a rectal digital examination and colposcopy to check if there is another reason (colon cancer, for example) for this rectal bleeding.

DISCLAIMER: "Ask a Doctor" questions are answered by certified physicians and other medical professionals who volunteer their time on eHealth Forum. For more information about experts participating in the "Ask a Doctor" Network, please visit our medical experts page. You may also visit our Colon Cancer , for moderated patient to patient support and information.

The information provided on eHealth Forum is designed to improve, not replace, the relationship between a patient and his/her own physician. Personal consultation(s) with a qualified medical professional is the proper means for diagnosing any medical condition.

This question has been answered by the doctor. This topic is now open for public discussion, however no comments below this point will be answered by a doctor.

Learn About Us

Get Help

Join In

Do More

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health
information:
verify here.

The site is not a replacement for professional medical opinion, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical doctor or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to existing treatment. Do not delay seeking or disregard medical advice based on information written by any author on this site. No health questions and information on eHealth Forum is regulated or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and therefore the information should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of a medical doctor. Posts made to these forums express the views and opinions of the author, and not the administrators, moderators, or editorial staff and hence eHealth Forum and its principals will accept no liabilities or responsibilities for the statements made. Schizophrenia health sitemap.
This page was last updated on January 1, 2009.
© 2008 eForums, Inc