In this Article

• What is rectal bleeding?
• Definition and description of rectal bleeding
• Origin of rectal bleeding
• Occult gastrointestinal bleeding
• What are the causes of rectal bleeding?
• Anal fissure
• Hemorrhoids
• Diverticulosis
• Colon cancer and polyps
• Polypectomy
• Angiodysplasias
• Colitis and proctitis
• Meckel's diverticulum
• Rare causes of rectal bleeding
• How is the cause and site of rectal bleeding determined?
• History and physical examination
• Anoscopy
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy
• Colonoscopy
• Radionuclide scans
• Visceral angiogram
• Blood tests
• How is rectal bleeding treated?
• Correcting low blood volume and anemia
• Determining the cause and site of bleeding
• Stopping bleeding and preventing rebleeding
• Rectal Bleeding At A Glance
• Rectal Bleeding Glossary
• Rectal Bleeding Index

Rectal Bleeding At A Glance

• Rectal bleeding is the passage of blood through the anus.
• Rectal bleeding may be red, maroon, black or occult.
• The common causes of rectal bleeding include anal fissure, hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, colon cancer and polyps, polypectomy, angiodysplasias, colitis and proctitis, and Meckel's diverticula.
• The origin of rectal bleeding is determined by the history and physical examination, anoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, radionuclide scans, visceral angiograms, and blood tests.
• Rectal bleeding is treated by correcting the low blood volume and anemia, determining the origin of the bleeding, stopping the bleeding, and preventing rebleeding.

Rectal Bleeding - How Was Diagnosis Established

The MedicineNet physician editors ask:

How was the diagnosis of your rectal bleeding established?

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