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Colorectal Diseases

Rectal bleeding

11/09/2009

Question:

I am 45 yrs old with a family history of colon cancer. My father had stage 3B colon cancer. I had an episode of bright red bleeding with small clots,It was not painful but have had none since ( at least that I can tell). With only seeing this once- should I be concerned or just wait and see if it happens again? Is this a fairly common occurence and what could cause it? I have never had a colonscopy and know I could not drink the prep that is used. Thanks

Answer:

You need a colonoscopy, both for diagnosis of the cause of the bleeding, and because of the increased risk for colorectal cancer in your family. There are different substances to take for the prep, but all cause large volume loose stool, which is necessary to clean out the colon for good visualization.

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Response by:

Janice Frederick Rafferty, MD Janice Frederick Rafferty, MD
Professor of Surgery
Chief of Colorectal Surgery Division
College of Medicine
University of Cincinnati