Red liquid surrounding stool

I recently noticed a red liquid surrounding my stool.  The stool was soft in consistency, and had a red fibrous patch in

it.  It looked like it was surrounded by a pool of blood, but it did not diffuse into the water.  It remained around it sort of

just floating.  I am a little nervous because my father passed away from colon cancer.  Does anyone have any idea if

it is actually blood?  I am uninsured so I am hesitant to see a doctor, however that is the reason my father's cancer

worsened.  I don't want to make the same mistake, does anyone have any insight?  I greatly appreciate.

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi rod55,
Since you have a family history of colon cancer, you need to be screened periodically to rule out cancer or premalignant conditions.
Fecal occult blood test will help to know whether you are bleeding through your rectum.
Colonoscopy will help to rule out cancer and premalignant conditions.
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.