Blood on Stool?

[Hunter926]

My basic question is : “How will blood in or on the stool commonly present itself?”  I have noticed that my bm’s typically may contain several  “specks”, “flecks” particles or spots that are red in color (several being one or two).  Many times there will be only one (or none), it is on the surface of the stool, is very small (diameter < 1 or 2 mm) and only apparent in very bright light conditions (flashlight).

I understand that blood in stool is a warning sign for colorectal lesions, and, given that I am approaching age 50, I recently started closely watching BM’s.  I suspect this is just ordinary stool being looked at very critically by the untrained and paranoid eye, therefore the question of what I should be looking for.

BTW-I performed the series of three FOBT cards last fall and all were negative.

I really appreciate your thoughts.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Blood in the stool can present in many ways - including all of the ones you have described above.  This can include clots, streaking, gross blood, blood in the toilet water etc.  

In any case, blood in the stool is never normal.  Things like colorectal cancer or polyps are the most concerning.  Other things are colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulosis or hemorrhoids.

At your age, I would suggest a colonoscopy, or at the very least a flexible sigmoidoscopy, which can comprehensively evaluate your symptoms.

You may want to discuss this option with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[Afrikaba]

I recently had some pains in the right flank, and went to see my doctor, who referred me to a specialist for a colonoscopy.  The colonoscopy is fixed for the end of March.  This morning, I found some blood in my stool.  It was bright red, with some mucos.  I still find blood when I wipe my anus with toilet roll.  There is no pain, and I'm not constipated.  I'm 54 years old.

Is this hemorrhoids or some more serious condition?

[Afrikaba]

I recently had some pains in the right flank, and went to see my doctor, who referred me to a specialist for a colonoscopy.  The colonoscopy is fixed for the end of March.  This morning, I found some blood in my stool.  It was bright red, with some mucos.  I still find blood when I wipe my anus with toilet roll.  There is no pain, and I'm not constipated.  I'm 54 years old.

I also have a lot of gas and stomach rumbling.

Is this hemorrhoids or some more serious condition?