"What Other Causes of Rectal Bleeding Exist Besides Hemorrhoids?"
Hematochezia
Hematochezia refers to blood discharged from the anus, which is one of the common symptoms of hemorrhoids. Apart from hemorrhoids, there are also other conditions that can cause hematochezia, such as anal fissures, anal polyps, rectal prolapse, and rectal cancer.
1. Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids typically manifest as blood dripping after bowel movements or blood on toilet paper. Some patients may also experience anal itching, discomfort, and perianal pain. In addition to hematochezia, hemorrhoid patients may also experience prolapse of hemorrhoidal masses, anal pain, a foreign body sensation around the anus, and perianal moisture.
2. Anal Fissures
Anal fissures refer to tears or ruptures in the skin of the anal canal, often manifesting as hematochezia, either as dripping blood or blood on toilet paper. In rare cases, patients may experience jet-like bleeding. Besides hematochezia, patients may also experience anal pain, constipation, and local itching.
3. Anal Polyps
Anal polyps are benign outgrowths that protrude from the surface of the mucosa, often presenting as painless hematochezia. Apart from hematochezia, patients may also experience mucous stools and tenesmus.
4. Rectal Prolapse
Rectal prolapse refers to the downward displacement of the mucosal layer or the entire wall of the rectum, which can be classified as incomplete or complete prolapse. Repeatedly prolapsed rectal mucosa can also manifest as hematochezia, usually covering the surface of feces during bowel movements, accompanied by symptoms such as local mass protrusion and mucous stools.
5. Rectal Cancer
In its early stages, rectal cancer may present as a small amount of bloody stools or mucopurulent stools. As the disease progresses, patients may also experience changes in bowel habits, constipation, and lower abdominal pain. Besides the aforementioned diseases, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, colonic polyps, and colon cancer can also cause hematochezia.
Ulcerative colitis primarily manifests as abdominal pain and diarrhea, with purulent or mucous bloody stools appearing in the late stages. Crohn's disease is also characterized by abdominal pain and diarrhea, and in its later stages, it can lead to anemia and weight loss. Colonic polyps can manifest as hematochezia or mucoid stools.
