What might cause blood in stool?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had eaten some pizza that was left out overnight two months ago. I woke up in the middle of the night with a very rough bout of diarrhea, where I was on the toilet three to four times in the middle of the night, sometimes staying on the toilet for 15 to 20 minutes. I noticed bright red blood mixed in with the diarrhea and also on the toilet paper ten years ago. I had a colonoscopy because every once in a while, I would get bright red blood on the toilet paper when I wiped, but never saw it in the toilet. My stool returned to normal about 48 hours later, and since then, I have had no additional blood in the stool. I had blood in the toilet paper once since then, but nothing other than that.

A few days later, I visited a local gastroenterologist, who did some blood work. At that point, my white blood cell count was slightly elevated. She thought may be due to a gastro infection from the pizza. Two weeks later, it showed my white blood cell count to be normal. All other blood work was normal. Two years ago, I took a cologuard test which came back negative. Next week, I have a colonoscopy just to check, but I am wondering, in your experience, do you think it is much more likely that this is an internal hemorrhoid situation that could have been aggravated by that one bout of diarrhea, or do you think there is a real possibility that this could be colon cancer?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

I am glad you chose icliniq for your medical-related queries.

I can understand your concern.

It seems to be a local problem that is causing blood in the stool. As you have mentioned, it is an old issue, and the colonoscopy was normal. You are 42 years old, and the risk of polyps and colon cancer increases after 45 years unless there is some genetic colonic syndrome present.

Local problems may include internal hemorrhoids, which are usually painless, and an anal fissure, in which defecation remains painful. Most people suffering from infectious colitis may notice some blood in their stool during diarrhea. In my opinion, you might have had a bout of colitis that caused bleeding per rectum. Whether there is an associated internal hemorrhoid or fissure problem can be assessed during a physical examination of the rectum by a doctor.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at icliniq.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Let me clarify, you do not have any signs of colon cancer. Minor itching could be due to the passage of hard stools.

You can always come back and reach me at icliniq.com.

Thank you for consulting me.

Answer 3

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Another possibility is a worm infestation. Have a great day to you too.

You can always come back and reach me at icliniq.com.

Thank you for consulting me.

Answer 4

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, you can get it done.

Answer 5

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, this is what I think. You do not have colon cancer. Your history and laboratory results are against it. Your previous colonoscopy was clear as well.