If you’re experiencing blood in your stool, you might notice blood on the toilet paper after wiping, in the toilet bowl, or on your stool. The blood can vary in color from bright red to dark maroon to black, and the amount can range from smearing on toilet paper to large amounts of blood and clots. There are many potential causes of rectal bleeding. Some are benign like hemorrhoids, and anal fissures; others may be concerning like colon mass, Crohn’s disease, or Ulcerative colitis.
Diagnosing the cause of rectal bleeding begins with a thorough evaluation, including a detailed review of your medical history, symptoms, and a physical exam.
Diagnostic tests that may be conducted include:
– Complete blood count (CBC)
– Colonoscopy
– Imaging studies such as a CT scan