Both benign and malignant forms are frequently found in the colon and rectum. Those people older than 50 years are most affected. However, tumors can be found in younger people. However, when bleeding does occur, it is usually slow, chronic, and minimal. If cancerous lesions are advanced, additional symptoms such as weight loss, a change in the caliber of stools, a sense of rectal fullness, or constipation may be experienced.
Diagnosis requires evaluation with colonoscopy .
Rectal bleeding from a traumatic cause is always a critical concern. Rectal damage from a gunshot wound or foreign body insertion can result in extensive infection or rapid and fatal blood loss. Evaluation in an Emergency Department is essential and usually involves evaluation with lighted probes to uncover the extent of injury. This can occur after someone has swallowed a foreign body that causes injury to the stomach lining, bleeding stomach ulcers, or Mallory-Weiss tears. Most children will require admission to the hospital and evaluation by a surgeon.