2. Blood in Stool: A Red Flag
Discovering blood where it shouldn’t be, particularly during a bowel movement, can be an alarming experience. Sometimes, the causes are benign, but other times they herald a deeper, more sinister issue.
It’s not uncommon to spot a hint of red after a particularly hard stool, often the result of a tiny tear or hemorrhoids. But when the sight of blood becomes recurrent, with no evident reason like an injury, it’s a potential red flag. The blood might vary in appearance, from bright red streaks to a darker, almost tar-like consistency.
The concern heightens when this symptom is paired with others on this list. For instance, if blood in the stool accompanies a change in bowel habits or unexplained weight loss, the confluence of these signs increases the likelihood of an underlying malignancy. (2)
