Rectal bleeding what doctor to see

It is important that you consult your doctor about your specific condition. Download it here. Minor rectal bleeding refers to the passage of a few drops of bright red fresh blood from the rectum, which may appear on the stool, on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl. This brochure addresses minor rectal bleeding that occurs from time to time. Continuous passage of significantly greater amounts of blood from the rectum or stools that appear black, tarry or maroon in color can be caused by other diseases that will not be discussed here.

Call your doctor immediately if these more serious conditions occur. Because there are several possible causes for minor rectal bleeding, a complete evaluation and early diagnosis by your doctor is very important. Rectal bleeding, whether it is minor or not, can be a symptom of colon cancer, a type of cancer that can be cured if detected early. Hemorrhoids also called piles are swollen blood vessels in the anus and rectum that become engorged from increased pressure, similar to what occurs in varicose veins in the legs.

Hemorrhoids can either be internal inside the anus or external under the skin around the anus. Hemorrhoids are the most common cause of minor rectal bleeding, and are typically not associated with pain.

Bleeding from hemorrhoids is usually associated with bowel movements, or it may also stain the toilet paper with blood.

The exact cause of bleeding from hemorrhoids is not known, but it often seems to be related to constipation, diarrhea, sitting or standing for long periods, obesity, heavy lifting and pregnancy.

Symptoms from hemorrhoids may run in some families. Hemorrhoids are also more common as we get older. Fortunately, this very common condition does not lead to cancer. Medical treatment of hemorrhoids includes treatment of any underlying constipation, taking warm baths and applying an over-the-counter cream or suppository that may contain hydrocortisone.

If medical treatment fails there are a number of ways to reduce the size or eliminate internal hemorrhoids. Each method varies in its success rate, risks and recovery time. Your doctor will discuss these options with you. Rubber band ligation is the most common outpatient procedure for hemorrhoids in the United States. It involves placing rubber bands around the base of an internal hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply.

This causes the hemorrhoid to shrink, and in a few days both the hemorrhoid and the rubber band fall off during a bowel movement. Possible complications include pain, bleeding and infection. After band ligation, your doctor may prescribe medications, including pain medication and stool softeners, before sending you home. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice severe pain, fever or significant rectal bleeding. Laser or infrared coagulation and sclerotherapy injection of medicine directly into the hemorrhoids are also office-based treatment procedures, although they are less common.

Surgery to remove hemorrhoids may be required in severe cases or if symptoms persist despite rubber band ligation, coagulation or sclerotherapy. The exam will focus on your abdomen and rectum. You may need to have one or more imaging tests to look for the cause:. Lower gastrointestinal tract bleeding. In: McNally PR, ed.

Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; chap Lamps LW. Rosai and Ackerman's Surgical Pathology. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap The gastrointestinal system.

Macleod's Clinical Examination. Hemorrhoids, anal fissure, and anorectal abscess and fistula. Conn's Current Therapy Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.

Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Information developed by A. Please discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have. Medical Tests. Definition Rectal bleeding is when blood passes from the rectum or anus. When to see a doctor By Mayo Clinic Staff. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information.

Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Strate L. Etiology of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in adults.

Accessed Jan. Gastrointestinal bleeding. Understanding minor rectal bleeding. American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Innes JA, et al. The gastrointestinal system.