Alas, Am I Cancer?

Is There Blood On The Toilet Paper? Or Is It Bleeding From The Anus? What could be the reasons?

Bleeding profusely by dripping before, during and after the toilet, or blood smearing on the toilet paper is NOT NORMAL and MUST BE INVESTIGATED.

To be clear, the most common cause of this condition, which can be observed in most people from time to time, is a small crack or vein around the breech outlet. However, there may also be COLORECTAL CANCER, which is a very serious clinical condition, that is, BREAK OR BOTTOM CANCER. That's why it's so important to investigate until proven otherwise.

This situation is easily noticed as it will usually be in the form of dripping on toilet paper or laundry or towards the end of the toilet or in the form of profuse bleeding. In fact, our body often shows alarm symptoms and calls out to us as if it wants to tell us something in its own language. This can be in the form of pain from time to time, sometimes bleeding and sometimes blockage. This is why bleeding is so important. It is absolutely necessary to investigate what the wrong situation is.

What are the Most Common Causes of Bleeding?

  -   Anal Fissures (Anal Fissures): Anal fissures are small cracks that occur in the skin in the breech area. These cracks are usually caused by constipation, diarrhea, passing hard stools, or straining. Symptoms of anal fissures include severe pain, burning sensation and bleeding. Bleeding is usually noticed on toilet paper or stool.

  -   Hemorrhoids (Hemorrhoids): Hemorrhoids are lump-shaped formations that occur as a result of swelling and inflammation of the veins around the anus or rectum. Conditions such as constipation, prolonged sitting, overstrain, pregnancy can lead to hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids are usually associated with painless bleeding, and traces of blood can be seen on toilet paper or in the stool. External hemorrhoids are usually painful and may bleed on toilet paper or stool.

  -   Gastroenteritis or Infectious Colitis: Gastroenteritis is a condition that develops due to infection of the stomach and intestines. Viruses, bacteria or parasites can cause gastroenteritis. These infections are associated with diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes bleeding. Bleeding usually occurs in stool or on toilet paper.

  -   Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Inflammatory bowel diseases refer to a group of diseases characterized by chronic inflammation of the intestines.

There are two common types: ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Although both diseases have similar symptoms, they affect different areas and may require different treatment approaches.

 1. Ulcerative Colitis: Ulcerative colitis is a disease that affects the inner layer of the large intestine (colon). It causes constant inflammation and ulcerations (wound formation) in certain parts of the intestine. The disease usually starts in the rectum and can spread to different parts of the colon. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, and fever. Bloody stools and rectal bleeding are also common symptoms.

 2. Crohn's Disease: Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the digestive system. The disease causes inflammation and ulcerations that start deep in the wall of the digestive tract. Crohn's disease usually affects the ileum (small intestine) and lower colon, but can occur in any area. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue and fever. Bleeding from the rectum or toilet can be seen in cases where the disease progresses or complications develop.

  -   Diverticulum (Ballooning in the Intestine Wall): Diverticulosis are small sacs that form in the intestinal wall. These sacs are called diverticulum. Diverticulitis is inflammation of the diverticulum. Diverticulosis and diverticulitis can sometimes cause bleeding. Bleeding usually occurs in stool or on toilet paper.

  -   Intestinal Polyps: Intestinal polyps are small tumors that form in the intestinal wall. While most polyps are benign, some polyps can turn into cancer over time. As the polyps grow, they can cause bleeding and blood in the stool. Therefore, early detection and removal of polyps is important.

  -   Types of colitis: Colitis is an inflammation of the intestines. It can have many different types and causes.

What Are the Common Types of Colitis?

  -   Ulcerative Colitis: It is an intestinal disease that causes inflammation and ulcerations in the inner layer of the intestines. It usually affects the large intestine (colon) and rectum. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood and mucus in the stool.

  -   Crohn's Disease: A chronic disease in which inflammation occurs anywhere in the digestive tract, usually the lower part of the small intestine. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, loss of appetite, and bloody stools.

  -   Infectious Colitis: It is a type of colitis that occurs due to bacterial, viral, parasitic or fungal infections. Symptoms may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, and bloody stools.

  -   Ischemic Colitis: It is a type of colitis that occurs as a result of reduced or complete cessation of blood flow to the intestines. It is usually seen in older individuals and those with conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or atherosclerosis. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, blood in the stool, diarrhea or constipation.

  -   Mixed Lymphocytic Colitis: It is a type of colitis seen especially in children. It is characterized by an increase in cells called lymphocytes in the intestines. Symptoms may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and growth retardation.

  -   Fistulas: a condition that occurs when two organs or spaces join with an abnormal canal. This duct is a passage that should not normally be there and can cause fluid, pus or tissue to pass between organs. Fistulas can form in different areas and occur for various reasons.

What Are the Types of Fistula and Possible Causes?

  -   Anal Fistula: Anal fistula is a type of fistula that occurs in the anus and rectum region. It usually develops as a result of a blockage or infection in the anal glands. The fistula may be associated with an abscess and may present with pain, discharge, or signs of infection around the anus.

  -   Intestinal Fistula: It occurs when an abnormal channel forms between the intestines or between the intestine and the skin. Such fistulas can often develop as complications of inflammatory bowel diseases (eg Crohn's disease) or bowel diseases such as diverticulitis.

  -   Uterine Fistula: Uterine fistulas occur when an abnormal channel forms between the uterus and other organs. For example, a fistula between the uterus and the intestine can occur as a result of birth trauma, infection, or surgical complications.

  -   Skin Fistula: Skin fistulas are characterized by the formation of an abnormal channel under the skin or inside the skin. For example, a skin fistula may develop as a result of an abscess or infection under the skin.

  -   Due to Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that can be passed from one partner to another during sexual contact. Some STDs can cause infections in the anal area, which can lead to anal bleeding.

What are the symptoms that may be associated with STDs and anal bleeding?

  -   Syphilis (Syphilis): Syphilis is an infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It can be transmitted through anal intercourse and can cause ulcers (chancre) in the anal area. These ulcers can cause bleeding and rectal bleeding.

  -   Gonorrhea (Gonorrhea): Gonorrhea is an infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can be transmitted through anal intercourse, and irritation and inflammation may occur in the anal region due to infection. This can cause anal bleeding.

  -   HPV (Human Papillomavirus - Human Papilloma Virus): It can cause warts (condyloma) in the anal area. These warts can sometimes bleed.

  -   Herpes Simplex Virus: It can affect the anal area and can be transmitted by the anal route. HSV infection can cause herpes-like lesions, which may bleed.

  -   HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): HIV is a progressive immune system disease that can be transmitted by the anal route. HIV infection can lead to weakening of the immune system and susceptibility to infections in the body. Some of these infections can cause bleeding in the anal area.

  -   Vascular Disorders of the Intestine (Angiodysplasia): Vascular disorders of the intestine, also known as angiodysplasia, refers to the abnormal dilation or irregularity of the blood vessels in the intestine. Angiodysplasia usually occurs in older adults and may occur especially in the colon (bowel) region. Angiodysplasia is caused by abnormal vascular formations in the intestinal wall as a result of weakening or abnormal dilation of blood vessels.

  -   Ischemic Colitis: It is an inflammatory condition that occurs as a result of reduced or complete cessation of blood flow to the colon (intestine). Reduced blood flow can prevent the intestine from getting oxygen and nutrients, which can cause damage to the intestinal tissue. Ischemic colitis is usually more common in older individuals and people with underlying vascular disease. Ischemic colitis can be acute or chronic. Acute ischemic colitis can present with symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, usually sudden onset, changes in bowel movements (diarrhea or constipation), bloody stools, and generally feeling unwell.

  -   Radiation-Induced Colitis: Inflammation or damage to the colon (bowel) during or after radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is a method used to treat cancer and uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells or stop their growth. However, radiation can also damage surrounding healthy tissues, meaning that the intestines can also be affected. Radiation-induced colitis usually occurs when the intestinal tissue is damaged in the area where radiation therapy was applied. Damage can cause problems such as inflammation, ulcers (scar formation) or narrowing of the lining of the intestine. Symptoms usually appear weeks or months after radiation therapy, but can sometimes develop years later. Symptoms of radiation-induced colitis may include abdominal pain, changes in cramping bowel movements (diarrhea or constipation), bloody stools, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and fatigue.

  -   Bleeding Due to Aspirin, Blood Thinners and Painkillers: Aspirin, blood thinners and some painkillers (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs) are drugs that can increase the risk of bleeding. Such drugs reduce the blood's ability to clot, allowing the blood to flow more thinly. This can cause increased bleeding in some people and sometimes an increased risk of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Regular use of aspirin and other NSAIDs may increase the risk of ulcers (sores) in the stomach or intestines. These ulcers may bleed, and as a result, blood may appear in the stool or vomit. In addition, blood thinners may increase the risk of bleeding and bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract may occur. Long-term or high-dose use of aspirin, blood thinners, and pain relievers may increase the risk of bleeding.

  -   CANCER: Cancer is a disease that occurs as a result of the uncontrolled growth and proliferation of body cells. Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the colon or rectum (the last part of the rectum). Bleeding from the rectum or bowel can be a sign of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer usually starts when small, abnormal cell clusters called polyps turn into cancer cells over time. This type of cancer usually does not show symptoms in the early stages, and symptoms appear as it progresses. These may include blood in the stool or toilet paper, anal pain or discomfort, weight loss, abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea. The diagnosis of colorectal cancer is usually made with an imaging test called a colonoscopy. In this test, the doctor looks inside the colon with a thin tube and may perform a biopsy if they detect any abnormalities. A biopsy sample is taken from the tissue and sent for laboratory examination, and the presence of cancer can be diagnosed. Treatment of colorectal cancer varies depending on the stage of the cancer, its spread, and the patient's overall health. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted drug therapy.

Although the cause of rectal or toilet bleeding is not always serious, it is important to heed the symptom and consult a healthcare professional. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms, take your medical history and try to make the correct diagnosis by doing the necessary tests. This can usually include a physical exam, blood tests, stool tests, colonoscopy, and other imaging tests.

Remember, this information is for general informational purposes only and it is important that you consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment for any health problem.