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Rectal Bleeding Specialist

Jeffrey M. Loria, MD Our Services Rectal Bleeding
Jeffrey M. Loria, MD - - Gastroenterologist

Jeffrey M. Loria, MD

Gastroenterologist located in Upper East Side, New York, NY

Rectal bleeding, or blood in the stool, should never go unchecked. Dr. Jeffrey M. Loria, a leading gastroenterologist located on the Upper East Side in New York City, provides expert diagnosis and treatment for all causes of rectal bleeding.

Rectal Bleeding Q & A

What should I do if I notice rectal bleeding?

Rectal bleeding is common but never normal and should always be evaluated by a physician to determine the specific underlying cause. Rectal bleeding may be noticed as blood in the stool, on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl. It may be minor or severe and can vary in color from bright red to a dark maroon.

What are possible causes of rectal bleeding?

A wide range of conditions can be responsible rectal bleeding. The most common are:

  • Anal fissures, which are tears in the skin of the anus and often occur after passing hard stool.
  • Diverticulosis, a condition in which small pouches develop in weakened areas of the lining of the intestines and protrude through the bowel wall.
  • Hemorrhoids, sometimes called piles, are inflamed veins in the rectum or anus.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is an inflammation of the small or large intestine. The two prevalent types of IBD are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
  • Ulcers, either in the stomach or upper small intestine.
  • Polyps, which are growths attached to the lining of the colon (large intestine) that can be either benign or precancerous.
  • Colon or rectal cancer, is cancer that begin as polyps in the inner lining of the colon or rectum. The American Cancer Society estimates that this year in the United States, 150,00 new cases of colon and rectal cancer will be diagnosed. Early detection is crucial to successful treatment, which is why individuals at average risk should have a colonoscopy every ten years, beginning at age 45. Those at higher risk may be recommended to begin colonoscopy screenings as early as age 40.

How does Dr. Loria diagnose the cause of rectal bleeding?

Every patient evaluation begins with a comprehensive consultation, including a complete history, and physical examination. Additional diagnostic testing, including blood and stool testing and imaging with endoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy is often used, as well. Endoscopic evaluation allows not only for diagnosis but often the treatment of bleeding.