Blood in Stool: Possible Signs of Rectal Cancer

Rectal cancer is a form of colorectal cancer that affects the lower part of the colon and the rectum, and it’s a major health concern worldwide. One of the key symptoms to watch for is the presence of blood in the stool, which can be quite alarming. However, it’s important to note that blood in the stool doesn’t always mean rectal cancer. It could be caused by a variety of issues, ranging from benign conditions to more serious diseases.
Recognising the presence of blood in your stool and understanding when to seek medical advice are important steps for timely and effective treatment. This blog will help you identify key symptoms and guide you on when to consult a medical specialist.
What Are the Causes of Blood in Stool?
Blood in the stool can be caused by a range of health issues, from minor to severe. It’s important to understand what might be causing this symptom so you can receive the right diagnosis and treatment. Here are some common reasons why you might notice blood in your stool:
- Haemorrhoids: Also known as piles, these are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus that can bleed during bowel movements.
- Anal Fissures: Small tears in the skin around the anus that can cause pain and bleeding during defecation.
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding: This occurs anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract, from the stomach to the large intestine, resulting from conditions like gastritis, peptic ulcers, or diverticulosis.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to bleeding.
- Infections: Certain infections, such as those caused by bacteria like Salmonella or viruses, can lead to bleeding.
- Benign Tumours: Polyps or other benign growths in the colon or rectum can bleed, although they are non-cancerous.
What is Rectal Cancer?
Rectal cancer is a type of colorectal cancer that originates in the rectum, which is the final section of the large intestine just before the anus. The condition usually begins as a benign polyp that may develop into cancer and potentially spread to other parts of the body over time.
Key risk factors for rectal cancer include being over 50 years old, having a diet high in red or processed meats and low in fibre, smoking, obesity, and having a family history of colorectal cancer. Genetic conditions like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) also significantly increase the risk.
What Are the Symptoms of Rectal Cancer?
Rectal cancer doesn’t always show symptoms in its early stages, making regular screenings important. As the disease progresses, certain symptoms may emerge that require immediate medical attention:
- Blood in Stool: The presence of blood, either bright red or dark, is a key symptom that requires immediate medical attention.
- Changes in Bowel Habits: This includes new patterns of constipation or diarrhoea that last for more than a few days.
- Abdominal Pain: Discomfort or pain in the abdomen, often accompanied by bloating.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant weight loss without any changes to diet or exercise routines may indicate rectal cancer.
- Anaemia: Caused by a decrease in red blood cells, leading to fatigue and weakness, which is often a result of chronic bleeding.
- Tenesmus: A sensation of needing to pass stool even when the bowel is empty, often uncomfortable and persistent.
Blood in Stool: Is it a Symptom of Rectal Cancer?
Finding blood in your stool can be quite alarming, but it’s important to understand what it might mean. In the context of rectal cancer, this symptom is particularly significant as it often suggests there might be a tumour in the lower part of your digestive system that’s causing bleeding. Recognising when blood in your stool could be linked to rectal cancer is important for catching the disease early and getting the right treatment:
- Nature of Blood in Stool: The colour of blood in the stool can indicate its origin; bright red suggests bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract, while darker blood may originate higher in the tract.
- Assessment and Monitoring: If blood in stool is observed, it is essential to monitor the frequency, amount, and accompanying symptoms, such as changes in bowel habits or abdominal pain.
- Importance of Medical Evaluation: Any occurrence of blood in stool should be evaluated by a medical specialist. Diagnostic tests, such as a colonoscopy, are important to determine if the source of bleeding is benign, like haemorrhoids, or if it is indicative of rectal cancer.
Blood in Stool Diagnosis
Diagnosing the cause of blood in stool is important for figuring out the right treatment and identifying any underlying conditions, like rectal cancer. The process of diagnosis usually involves several key steps:
- Medical History and Physical Examination: The initial step involves a detailed discussion about the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and a physical examination, focusing on the abdominal area and potentially a digital rectal exam.
- Laboratory Tests: Blood tests to check for anaemia and other abnormalities, and stool tests to look for hidden (occult) blood are commonly conducted.
- Imaging and Endoscopic Tests: Depending on the initial findings, further diagnostic tools like colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or imaging studies such as CT scans might be used. A colonoscopy is particularly valuable as it allows direct visualisation of the entire colon and the ability to remove polyps or take biopsy samples.
- Biopsy: If suspicious areas are found during endoscopic examinations, a biopsy is performed to determine if cancerous cells are present.
Treatment Options for Rectal Cancer
The treatment of rectal cancer varies depending on the stage of the disease, the patient’s overall health, and other individual factors. There are several treatment options available, each aimed at removing the cancer, minimising side effects, and improving survival rates:
- Surgery: The primary treatment for rectal cancer involves surgical removal of the cancerous tissue. Techniques vary from local excision for smaller, early-stage tumours to more extensive procedures like a total mesorectal excision for more advanced cancer.
- Radiation Therapy: Often used before surgery to shrink the tumour or after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. Radiation therapy can also help alleviate symptoms in cases of advanced rectal cancer.
- Chemotherapy: Used alongside radiation therapy (chemoradiation) before surgery to shrink tumours or after surgery to kill any lingering cancer cells. It is also used as a standalone treatment for advanced cases.
- Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy: These are newer forms of treatment that target specific elements of cancer cells or boost the body’s immune response against cancer. These therapies are generally used for more advanced stages or when traditional treatments do not work.
- Palliative Care: For advanced rectal cancer, palliative care helps relieve symptoms and improve quality of life, focusing on the patient’s comfort rather than treating the cancer.
Conclusion
Blood in the stool is a symptom that should never be overlooked, as it can be a sign of rectal cancer or other serious health conditions. While not every instance of blood in stool is due to cancer, it’s important to get a medical evaluation promptly if you experience this symptom.
Detecting rectal cancer early can greatly improve the effectiveness of treatments, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or other approaches.
If you’re noticing blood in your stool, don’t delay. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and ensure you receive the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.