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Blood On Toilet Paper & Blood In StoolBlood in stool and on the toilet paper is very common and usually a symptom of hemorrhoids, particularly when the blood comes before or is coating the outside of the stool. When there is evidence of bleeding other causes need to be considered such as a polyp or tumour bleeding higher up in the colon. There are many causes of bleeding, although serious causes of bleeding or ‘blood from the back passage’ account for about 1% of cases. A lot of people ignore the symptoms of blood on toilet paper and never even see a doctor. However, I would always advise having these cases investigated particularly if you find blood in the toilet pan or blood in stool. Whilst many of these cases are not found to be of significance, early detection of more serious causes leads to a better long term outcome. Most people, at some point in their lives will notice bleeding and the most common causes for this is either hemorrhoids and fissures (these are cracks or tears that occur in the anus which can be very painful). Other hemorrhoid symptoms may include itch or ‘pruritis ani’, pain and sometimes discharge from the anus. Endoscopic View of A Hemorrhoid
A picture of a colon polyp being removed
A picture of a colon cancer
When you go to your doctor about this, they will be very understanding. You will be asked questions about this including how long you have had bleeding symptoms, whether it is fresh or old blood, whether you have an itchy bottom (pruritis ani) which is often associated with piles or worm infestations, if there is any soreness or discharge, and if there is any family history of bowel diseases including cancer. They will examine the area and may perform a proctoscopy or Rigid Sigmoidoscopy , which is a special camera test to look inside your bottom. If they haven't got this facility, then they may refer you to a gastroenterologist or surgeon to investigate further. Tests that are commonly performed when looking for a cause of the bleeding include Flexible Sigmoidoscopy , Colonoscopy Procedure , CT Colonography and Barium Enema .
Blood on toilet paper treatment usually depends on cause and this is best discussed with your doctor at the time of your consultation. I hope by now that you have a better understanding of the causes of bleeding, the investigations and the importance of seeking medical attention for this.
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