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Rectal Bleeding

Your bleeding is of more concern because of your personal or family history.

Most people with minimal rectal bleeding do not have a dangerous cause of their symptoms. However, you should see your doctor promptly because your likelihood of having colorectal cancer is increased, based upon your symptoms. People over age 50 are at a higher risk for cancer. Your doctor will probably recommend a colonoscopy to carefully examine your colon.

Certain other medical illnesses such as "inflammatory bowel disease" can cause symptoms that are similar to those of a colon cancer. Inflammatory bowel disease is the result of an autoimmune illness (an attack by your own immune system). Most inflammatory bowel disease is eventually identified as either "Crohn's disease" or "ulcerative colitis." Inflammatory bowel disease is more likely to be an explanation for your diarrhea if you are a young adult, although older adults can develop inflammatory bowel disease as well.

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Online Medical Reviewer: LeWine, Howard MD
Date Last Reviewed: 5/3/2006
Date Last Modified: 3/30/2006

Source: from Harvard Health Decision Guides, Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.
 
 
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Symptom Checker content copyright © 2006 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell. Use of content is subject to Terms & Conditions and Medical Disclaimer. More information on Harvard Medical School's publications and services is available at http://www.health.harvard.edu.

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