Rectal bleeding is a common occurrence but can often cause people to fear the worst. A singular event of bright red bleeding from the rectum may indicate something as simple as a cut close to the anus. Chronic rectal bleeding may signal a number of different conditions. A physician should evaluate a person experiencing frequent rectal bleeding to diagnose and treat the underlying cause.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins in the anus and lower rectum. Hemorrhoids are often internal but can protrude from the anus. They may feel like tiny grapelike nodules on the anus. These most often result from straining during bowel movements, but pregnancy, obesity or anal intercourse may also contribute to hemorrhoids. Symptoms of hemorrhoids include painless bleeding during bowel movements, itching and irritation at the anus, swelling around the anus, a sensitive or painful lump near the anus and leakage of feces. Individuals often treat mild hemorrhoids with over-the-counter medications, but more severe hemorrhoids may need surgical intervention.
Colon Polyps
A colon polyp is a small cluster of cells that forms on the inner lining of the colon. The majority of polyps are harmless, but some may become cancerous over time. Polyps result from abnormal cell division in the colon. Polyps can be small or large, flat or raised. According to MayoClinic.com, the larger the polyp, the greater the risk of cancer. Symptoms of colon polyps include rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, constipation, diarrhea or narrowing of the stool, pain or obstruction. Testing for colon polyps involves a fecal occult blood test, which looks for blood in the stool, as well as a colonoscopy, which allows physicians to see the interior of the colon with a lighted scope inserted through the anus. Physicians will remove most polyps as they see them during the colonoscopy by snaring them with a wire loop and stopping the bleeding with an electrical current. Physicians may remove large polyps with surgery or, in extreme cases, a surgical removal of the colon and rectum.
Colorectal Cancer
In rare cases, rectal bleeding may mean cancer. In 2009, 106,100 new cases of colon cancer were reported, notes the American Cancer Society. Rectal bleeding is a symptom of both colon and rectal cancer. Most cases of colorectal cancer begin as small noncancerous polyps. Symptoms may include rectal bleeding, persistent abdominal cramping, gas or pain, weakness or fatigue, unexplained weight loss or a change in bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation. Physicians diagnose colon cancer using blood tests, a colonoscopy and an X-ray picture of the colon after the patient swallows a contrast dye. Treatment for colorectal cancer involves surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and targeted drug treatments.
