Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: August 25, 2025 • View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Blood in Stool

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Hemorrhoids: This is often the most common cause of blood in stool, especially if the blood is bright red and seen on the toilet paper or in the bowl. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lowest part of the rectum or anus, which can bleed due to increased pressure.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Diverticulosis: A condition where small, bulging pouches (diverticula) develop in the digestive tract, most commonly in the colon. These can bleed, especially if they become inflamed or if a blood vessel in a diverticulum bursts.
  • Anal Fissures: Small tears in the lining of the anus, which can cause pain and bleeding during and after bowel movements.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract, leading to bleeding.
  • Gastrointestinal Infections: Certain infections, such as those caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, can lead to inflammation and bleeding in the GI tract.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Colon Cancer: Although less common than other causes, colon cancer is a critical diagnosis not to miss. It can cause blood in the stool, which may be occult (hidden) or visible.
  • Upper GI Bleed: Bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract (e.g., stomach or duodenum) can lead to black, tarry stools (melena) rather than fresh blood. However, in some cases, especially if the bleeding is rapid, fresh blood can appear in the stool.
  • Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part, potentially cutting off blood supply and leading to ischemia and bleeding. This is more common in children but can occur in adults.
  • Angiodysplasia: Vascular malformations of the GI tract that can cause bleeding, often in the elderly.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Meckel's Diverticulum: A congenital anomaly of the small intestine that can cause bleeding, especially in children and young adults.
  • Blue Rubber Bleb Nevus Syndrome: A rare condition characterized by vascular malformations that can cause GI bleeding.
  • Dieulafoy's Lesion: A rare cause of GI bleeding due to a mucosal ulceration overlying a persistent, large-caliber arteriole.
  • Hemangiomas: Benign tumors composed of blood vessels that can occur in the GI tract and cause bleeding.

Related Questions

What are the next steps in managing a suspected Quadriceps Tendon Rupture?
What are the different types of gangrene?
What is the recommended dosing regimen for Fycompa (perampanel)?
What is the risk of cardiac arrest associated with gabapentin (Neurontin) use, particularly in patients with pre-existing heart conditions?
Is a copper intrauterine device (IUD) suitable for a woman in perimenopause with heavy menstrual bleeding, and what role can ultrasound play in its management?
What symptoms do mood stabilizers primarily address?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.

Ask Question