A 31-year-old member asked:
What to do if i have blood in my stools sometimes, does that nescesarily mean i have colon cancer?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Sanjay Jainanswered
Internal Medicine 36 years experience
No: Most common cause of bleeding with stool is hemorrhoids. One cannot really tell the cause of bleeding by history alone and people with recurrent bleeding need to have colonoscopy to ensure they do not have any cancer.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 32-year-old member asked:
I have blood in my stools sometimes, does that mean I have colon cancer?
3 doctor answers • 10 doctors weighed in
Dr. Sewa Leghaanswered
Medical Oncology 52 years experience
It depends: Rectal bleeding can be caused from hemorrhoids(commonest cause) or by colon cancer. So an examination is required to find the exact cause. Any rectal bleeding is a signal to go to your doctor for a complete examination to find the cause and treat it accordingly.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
I saw blood in my stool and i'm completely freaked out. What could it mean? There is colon cancer in the family.
3 doctor answers • 12 doctors weighed in
Dr. Joseph Woodsanswered
Pathology 30 years experience
Many things.: There can be many reasons for this. It may only be hemorrhoids, or anal fissure. These should be considered before cancer. Colorectal cancer of the left side or sigmoid colon can present with bleeding also, but other symptoms are present, like altered bowel habits, and abdominal pain. A fecal occult blood test is done in the standard work-up for colon cancer. Start by seeing your doctor.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Colon cancer. Do you always have to have blood seen in your stools?
3 doctor answers • 14 doctors weighed in
Dr. Liawaty Hoanswered
Hematology and Oncology 25 years experience
Not always: Rectal bleeding can happen in almost 40-50% cases. Other symptoms that can happen include abdominal pain , change in bowel habits, weakness , anemia without other gastrointestinal symptoms, weight loss. Sometimes, colon cancer also can happen without having any significant symptoms-but is found during colonoscopy. Colonoscopy is very important screening test. Do not wait until you see bleeding.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Dec 10, 2013
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