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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffRectal bleeding refers to bleeding from your lower colon or your rectum, the last few inches of your large intestine. Rectal bleeding may show up as blood in your stool, on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl. The blood can range in color from bright red to dark maroon. Rectal bleeding may occur for many reasons, most commonly related to constipation or hemorrhoids. Often the underlying cause of rectal bleeding can be treated. If you have rectal bleeding or blood in your stool, see a doctor to determine what's causing your symptoms.
- Greenwald DA. Common disorders of the anus and rectum: Hemorrhoids and fissures. American College of Gastroenterology. http://www.acg.gi.org/patients/gihealth/hemorrhoids.asp. Accessed March 17, 2009.
- Rectal problems. American College of Gastroenterology. http://www.acg.gi.org/patients/women/rectal.asp#1. Accessed March 17, 2009.
- Saab S, et al. Etiology of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 18, 2009.
- Colorectal diseases and treatments. American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons. http://www.fascrs.org/aboutus/press_room/backgrounders_and_tip_sheets/colorectal. Accessed March 17, 2009.
- Colorectal cancer. American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons. http://www.fascrs.org/patients/conditions/colorectal_cancer. Accessed March 17, 2009.
- Langan RC, et al. Ulcerative colitis: Diagnosis and treatment. American Family Physician. 2007;76:1323.
- Burling D, et al. Investigating rectal bleeding. BMJ. 2007;335:1260.
- Saab S, et al. Approach to the adult patient with lower gastrointestinal bleeding. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 20, 2009.
