What Causes Blood In Stool?

Posted on Thu, 22 Oct 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 22 Oct 2015 Answered on

Mon, 9 Nov 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : my grandpa died from colon cancer. I am a male, age 63. Recent tests tested positive for blood in stools. Unaware of any hemoroids. Any thoughts? I had a colonoscopy 4 yrs ago. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Bleeding per rectum needs evaluation

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking

I read your question and i understand your concern. Blood in stools has multiple possibilities other than cancer and more common. But it should always be worked up for the cause. so go to a doctor, let them have a look, run some labs liek stool routine exam, digital rectal exam and if need be plan a colonoscopy etc to sort out the cause of this blood in stools. With family history of colon cancer , bleeding per rectum should always be considered seriously and be treated and managed at an earliest convenience.

Common things first like anal fissure, haemorrhoids, rectal prolapse, chronic constipation, hard stools etc should be considered first followed by wok up for rare causes .

I hope it helps. take good care of yourself and don't forget to close the discussion please.

Regards
Khan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar