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Differential Diagnosis for a 16-year-old female with blood on toilet paper

Single most likely diagnosis

  • Hemorrhoids or Anal Fissure: Given the age and presentation, a common and benign cause of rectal bleeding in adolescents is hemorrhoids or anal fissures, often due to constipation or straining during bowel movements.

Other Likely diagnoses

  • Gastrointestinal Infection: Infections such as gastroenteritis can cause rectal bleeding, especially if the infection is severe or caused by a specific pathogen.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can present with rectal bleeding, although they are less common in this age group without other symptoms.
  • Rectal Prolapse: Though less common, rectal prolapse can cause bleeding, especially if there's a history of constipation or straining.

Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed)

  • Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part, which can cause bowel obstruction and ischemia. It's rare but requires immediate medical attention.
  • Infectious Colitis: Certain infections (e.g., Clostridioides difficile, Salmonella, Shigella) can cause severe colitis with bleeding, which needs prompt treatment.
  • Trauma: Sexual assault or accidental trauma can cause rectal bleeding and must be considered, especially with a history of "something in the past."

Rare diagnoses

  • Vascular Malformations: Rare conditions like arteriovenous malformations can cause rectal bleeding, though they are uncommon in adolescents without other symptoms.
  • Tumors: Though exceedingly rare in adolescents, rectal tumors (benign or malignant) can cause bleeding and should be considered if other causes are ruled out and bleeding persists.
  • Coagulopathy: Bleeding disorders can manifest with rectal bleeding, especially if there's a family history or other signs of bleeding tendency.

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.

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