Is Every Rectal Bleeding Important?

Rectal bleeding is often associated with hemorrhoids and therefore underestimated, yet medically it is always a symptom that requires attention. Even if the bleeding is caused by hemorrhoids, it may be the first sign of a more serious underlying condition. Therefore, waiting for it to “go away on its own” is not the correct approach.

 

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What Is Rectal Bleeding?

 

 

Rectal bleeding appears as fresh blood on toilet paper, dripping into the toilet, or blood mixed with stool during or after bowel movements.

 

Color of blood – possible cause:

 

• Bright red fresh blood: Hemorrhoids or anal fissure

• Dark red or brownish blood mixed with stool: Diseases inside the intestines

• Black, tar-like stool: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (emergency)

 

 

Even though blood color gives diagnostic clues, definitive diagnosis requires medical evaluation.

 

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Is Rectal Bleeding Always Caused by Hemorrhoids?

 

 

No. Although hemorrhoids are the most common cause, assuming it without examination can delay the diagnosis of serious diseases.

 

Possible causes of rectal bleeding:

 

• Anal fissure (anal tear)

• Hemorrhoids

• Intestinal polyps

• Colon cancer

• Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative colitis)

• Diverticular disease

• Radiation proctitis

• Rectal ulcer syndrome

 

 

Any new rectal bleeding in patients over 40 should be taken seriously.

 

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When Should You Seek Emergency Evaluation?

 

 

Seek medical care immediately if any of the following are present:

 

• Bleeding with every bowel movement

• Clots in the toilet

• Dark, black-colored stool

• Unintentional weight loss, fatigue, loss of appetite

• Family history of colon cancer

• Severe anal pain, swelling, or prolapse sensation accompanying bleeding

 

 

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How Is the Diagnosis Made?

 

 

Diagnosis cannot be made based on observation alone. Medical evaluation is required.

 

Diagnostic tools include:

 

• Physical examination

• Anoscopy

• Rectoscopy

• Colonoscopy

 

 

Removing polyps during colonoscopy reduces the risk of colon cancer in the future.

 

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How Is Treatment Planned?

 

 

Treatment is personalized according to the cause of bleeding.

 

Example treatment approaches:

 

• Anal fissure → diet changes, warm sitz baths, medication, botox

• Hemorrhoids → band ligation, laser treatment, minimally invasive therapies or surgery in advanced stages

• Inflammatory bowel disease → medical therapy

• Colon cancer → multidisciplinary evaluation and surgery

 

 

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Conclusion – What Should You Do?

 

 

Do not diagnose yourself using online information.

If you have rectal bleeding, you should see a proctology or general surgery specialist without delay.

 

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Information & Appointment

 

 

Op. Dr. Hakan Bayri – Proctology & General Surgery

 Address: Kızılırmak Mah., Dumlupınar Bulvarı 9A, YDA CENTER, 19th Floor, No: 747

 Phone: +90 537 022 1542 – +90 547 530 4040

 Web: www.hakanbayri.com