Is bleeding rectum without external hemorrhoid dangerous?

Question

Hello doctor,

Bright red blood is coming from the rectum after using the bathroom. The rectum is also very itchy and no signs of external hemorrhoids. Rectum has been itchy for a while especially when wiping. Every now and again there is a light and spotty bright red blood. There was a little more during my last BM which caused me to be concerned. It may be an anal fissure? I am currently taking Cortizone 10.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It could be a fissure or internal hemorrhoids or IBD (inflammatory bowel disease). Just to differentiate one from the other if you could help us out by answering these questions:

Does it hurt when you pass stools (BM)? Do you have constipation? How much was the blood? Did you felt dizzy? Do anyone have colon cancer in the family? Do you have any weight loss?

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

This is most likely internal hemorrhoids. I would suggest using over the counter hemorrhoidal cream and sitting in warm water for three days. Meanwhile, call your primary care (if you have one) and see if you can get to see a gastroenterologist or a general surgeon for an anoscopy or if you want a colonoscopy. This is just to confirm that you no cancer and have more localized hemorrhoids.

Usually, the ultimate treatment would depend upon the degree of internal hemorrhoids. Now coming to the cancer. The risk of having cancer depends upon age (> 50, weight loss, family history of colon cancer), all of which have been negative for you that we know of. I agree that still we should not take chances but let us treat simple things first and then you can see a gastroenterologist for more local examination if you fail to improve.