Differential Diagnosis for Bright Red Blood in Stool
- The presence of bright red blood in stool is a significant symptom that requires careful consideration of various diagnoses.
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Hemorrhoids: This is the most common cause of bright red blood in stool, especially if the blood is seen on the toilet paper or dripping into the toilet bowl. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus that can bleed due to increased pressure.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Divisor (Diverticulosis): This condition involves the formation of small pouches in the wall of the colon, which can bleed and cause bright red blood in stool.
- Anal Fissure: A tear in the lining of the anus can cause painful bleeding, often seen as bright red blood on the stool or toilet paper.
- Colon Polyps: Benign growths in the colon can bleed and cause bright red blood in stool, although this is less common.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease can cause inflammation and bleeding in the colon, leading to bright red blood in stool.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Colorectal Cancer: Although less common, colorectal cancer can cause bright red blood in stool, especially if the tumor is located in the distal colon or rectum. Missing this diagnosis can be fatal.
- Infectious Colitis: Infections like Salmonella, Shigella, or E. coli can cause severe inflammation and bleeding in the colon, leading to bright red blood in stool.
- Ischemic Colitis: Reduced blood flow to the colon can cause tissue damage and bleeding, which may present with bright red blood in stool.
Rare Diagnoses
- Angiodysplasia: A rare condition characterized by abnormal blood vessels in the colon, which can cause bleeding and bright red blood in stool.
- Meckel's Diverticulum: A congenital anomaly of the small intestine that can cause bleeding, although this is more common in children.
- Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine telescopes into another part, which can cause bleeding and bright red blood in stool, although this is rare in adults.