When should one do, a test for blood in the stool?

Jump To :

1. When is Blood in Stool Tested?
2. What Causes Blood in the Stool?
3. If the Stool Blood Test Comes Positive, Then What Happens?

Stool samples may be examined for occult (hidden) blood using the faecal occult blood test (FOBT).

Although not all tumours or polyps bleed, occult blood in the stool may indicate colon cancer or polyps in the colon or rectum. 

Occult blood is often passed in such minute quantities that it can only be identified by the chemicals used in a faecal occult blood test.

A faecal occult blood test may reveal bleeding, but more investigation is required to pinpoint its cause.

The faecal occult blood test cannot diagnose the cause of bleeding; it can only confirm the presence or absence of blood. 

Do not delay in seeing a doctor if you feel stomach discomfort, bowel habits changes, or blood in your stool or the toilet.

A patient’s faeces are examined if they exhibit any of the following symptoms.

• Reduction in body weight
• Weakness
• Complaints about the digestive system that is not specific
• If the patient developed anaemia for no apparent cause

During these instances, it is crucial to determine whether the patient is bleeding and unable to recognize it.

Also Read : Why Does Blood Pass in Stool?

What Causes Blood in the Stool?

It’s possible to bleed from the rectal area for various causes.

Rectal bleeding may be caused by anything from common and mild diseases to rare but life-threatening ones.

Among the many potential causes of blood in faeces are:

Anal fissure:

Similar to how chapped lips or a paper cut would cause tiny tears in the skin, this can happen to the tissue lining the anus.

It’s very common for people to experience pain and discomfort after passing hard stool that can tear the skin and cause fissures.

Haemorrhoids:

Dilatation of blood vessels in the rectum which may later rupture and cause bleeding. Usually, this bleeding is not accompanied by pain. 

Angiodysplasia: 

A medical disorder characterized by abnormally weak and leaky blood vessels.

Colitis: 

Symptoms of colon inflammation include pain and discomfort. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are the most common causes. 

Read More : Red Blood in Stool (Poop) – Is it a Sign of Cancer 

Diverticular disease: 

Diverticula are protrusions of the colon wall that resemble tiny pouches.

Though diverticula do not usually cause discomfort, they may bleed or get infected if certain conditions are fulfilled.

Esophageal problems: 

Extreme blood loss might result from esophageal rips or varicose veins.

Peptic ulcers: 

An ulcer is a wound in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, the first part of the small intestine.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common cause of peptic ulcer disease.

Ulcers may be brought on by using anti-inflammatory medications for an extended period or at high dosages.

Polyps or cancer: 

Polyps are slow-growing benign growths that may bleed and even become malignancy.

The bleeding it generates is generally invisible to the naked eye.

If the Stool Blood Test Comes Positive, Then What Happens?

You may have internal bleeding if your FOBT comes back positive. While not a definitive cancer diagnosis, it may indicate colorectal cancer. 

After a positive result is obtained, more testing is often conducted to identify the bleeding’s source and determine its extent.

Usually, it starts with an upper GI endoscopy and a colonoscopy. 

A CT scan is also done. These tests are sensitive enough to pick up the cause in more than 90% of cases.

If at the end of all these tests, we don’t find a reason then your doctor will advise further tests. 

If the Stool Blood Test Comes Positive. you must visit a Cancer specialist in mumbai, Dr. Praveen Kammar, at the earliest. The fastest assessment and subsequent treatment will help you to reduce the risk of Cancer.

Conclusion

Blood in stool is a common medical condition that warrants a call to your doctor and a quick visit.

You may be certain that your doctor will investigate the source of the bleeding and implement a treatment strategy to cure it.

Make sure to bring up any concerns or questions during the consultation.