HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Can Bright Red Blood In Stool Be A Sign Of Colon Cancer?

default
Posted on Fri, 7 Mar 2014
Question: Can bright red blood be a sign of colon cancer? I always thought it was due to hemorroids. It only happens after BM. Had it 2 wks. Ago. And now again.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (12 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Yes. Detailed Answer: Hello! Thank you for the query. Yes, it can be a sign of colon cancer. But this is much less frequent reason of bright red blood in the stool than hemorrhoids. However you need to know that some part of hemorrhoids patients has also colon cancer. This conditions can coexist. Please imagine that hemorrhoids are external sign of whole colon condition. Same factors can cause hemorrhoids and colon cancer (low fiber diet, constipation). Hemorrhoids usually give bright red blood on the surface of the stool and on the toilet paper. Colon cancer gives blood mixed with the stool. But it does not mean that you have colon cancer. It only means that you need to rule it out. That is why I suggest you to have colonoscopy (even without any symptoms you should have it every 10 years like every person over 50). To improve hemorrhoids condition (not to heal them completely) please follow this steps: - increase fiber rich products and mineral water intake - avoid constipation - do not push hard on stool - use hemorrhoids suppositories - have sitz baths with Oak Bark Such treatment should help. To have hemorrhoids cured, surgery is necessary. But first colonoscopy should be done. Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions. Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (14 minutes later)
I had a colonoscopy done 3 and 1/2 years ago because of rectal bleeding and all thatbwas found was Internal Hemorroid. Blood is just on toilet paper not on or in stool. Is that more common with Hemorroud?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (6 minutes later)
Brief Answer: . Detailed Answer: Yes, this is characteristic for hemorrhoids. It is known that it takes about 10 years for colon cancer to grow. So your colonoscopy is still valid and no need to repeat it (if your symptoms are stable). Please follow mentioned steps and the bleeding should be gone. Regards.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Grzegorz Stanko

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 5795 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Can Bright Red Blood In Stool Be A Sign Of Colon Cancer?

Brief Answer: Yes. Detailed Answer: Hello! Thank you for the query. Yes, it can be a sign of colon cancer. But this is much less frequent reason of bright red blood in the stool than hemorrhoids. However you need to know that some part of hemorrhoids patients has also colon cancer. This conditions can coexist. Please imagine that hemorrhoids are external sign of whole colon condition. Same factors can cause hemorrhoids and colon cancer (low fiber diet, constipation). Hemorrhoids usually give bright red blood on the surface of the stool and on the toilet paper. Colon cancer gives blood mixed with the stool. But it does not mean that you have colon cancer. It only means that you need to rule it out. That is why I suggest you to have colonoscopy (even without any symptoms you should have it every 10 years like every person over 50). To improve hemorrhoids condition (not to heal them completely) please follow this steps: - increase fiber rich products and mineral water intake - avoid constipation - do not push hard on stool - use hemorrhoids suppositories - have sitz baths with Oak Bark Such treatment should help. To have hemorrhoids cured, surgery is necessary. But first colonoscopy should be done. Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions. Regards.