PR bleeding

Question 1

What are red flags for rectal bleeding?

Answer 1

Age >50
change of bowel habit
weight loss
weakness, fatigue
brisk bleeding
constipation
haemorrhoids (may be sinister)
family history of cancer

Question 2

What are common causes of PR bleeding?

Answer 2

polyps
colon cancer
ischaemic colitis
diverticular disease
haemorrhoids

Question 3

what history should you ask associated with PR bleeding?

Answer 3

nature of the blood (bright red/ dark tarry)
nature of the bleeding (smear, mixed with stool, massive)
pain
diarrhoea/ constipation
presence of lumps
sensation of urgency
unsatisfied defecation