Do I need a colonoscopy if I have seen rectal bleeding?

This question was asked in Cleveland, Ohio on 05/30/2012.
What do doctors look for during a colonoscopy? Do you need a colonoscopy if you have seen some bleeding, but don’t know where it is coming from?

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Doctors Answers (2)

David Pound, M.D.
Answered on: 6/1/2012 1

Colonoscopy is the "gold standard" for evaluation of the large intestine. Rectal bleeding can be evaluated by colonoscopy. Please speak with your family physician about how to proceed.

Harsha Vittal, M.D.
Answered on: 5/31/2012

Depending on your age, you would need either a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. They would be looking for the cause of bleeding which could be hemorrhoids or even cancer.