MayoClinic.com defines rectal bleeding as bleeding that can begin from the lower colon to the last few inches of the large intestine, or rectum. Rectal bleeding may be discovered as blood in the stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl. Depending on where the blood originates, it can range in color from bright red to deep, dark red. Most causes of rectal bleeding are easily treated, but if rectal bleeding occurs, contact a doctor to determine cause.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that is characterized by inflammation of the colon. Over time, the inflammation causes damage to the lining of the colon and rectum, which causes sores, or ulcers, to form. These ulcers bleed and form pus, which results in rectal bleeding as well as mucus in the stool. Other symptoms of ulcerative colitis include abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, anemia, weight loss, loss of appetite, skin lesions and joint pain. Although an exact cause of ulcerative colitis has not been determined, it is believed to develop as a result of abnormalities of the immune system, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Most cases of ulcerative colitis can be treated with a combination of drug therapy. Those with severe bleeding or diarrhea may need hospitalization. Those who experience recurrent symptoms usually have extensive damage to the colon and require surgical removal of the damaged part of the colon.
Colon Polyps
A colon polyp is a cluster of cells that develops on the lining of the colon. Most colon polyps are benign, but occasionally polyps can develop into cancer. Colon polyps can affect anyone, but most often grow in those who are over 50, overweight and smoke, according to MayoClinic.com. Symptoms of colon polyps include rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, constipation, diarrhea, pain and bowel obstruction. Even though most colon polyps do not turn into cancer, removal is recommended for all of them. Most polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy with a wire loop that cuts them off of the colon lining. In some cases, polyps may be removed through small incisions in the abdominal wall.
Angiodysplasia of the Colon
Angiodysplasia of the colon is a condition that usually affects older adults and is characterized by enlarged blood vessels in the colon that are abnormally fragile. The most widely accepted theory about the development of colon angiodysplasia is that over time, regular colon spasms cause the veins in the colon to swell and become increasingly weak. This leads to the development of an abnormal connection, called a fistula, between an artery and a vein in the colon. The symptoms of angiodysplasia of the colon vary between individuals, but generally include weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath and bleeding from the rectum. MedlinePlus notes that treatment is usually only needed for those who experience severe bleeding. Treatment options consist of burning the site of bleeding, using electrical signals to stop bleeding or removing part of the colon.
