Health information to help you understand symptoms. It isn't a diagnosis.
Check symptoms

Colon polyps, a rectal lump, or blood mixed into the stool

Also called: Colon polyps, rectal bleeding, rectal mass

Being told you have colon polyps, finding a rectal lump, or seeing blood mixed into your stool should be followed up with your provider. Most polyps are harmless, but some can turn into colon cancer, which is why they're removed. Blood in the stool can come from hemorrhoids but needs checking, especially after age 45.

Common causesPolyps, hemorrhoids, fissures, colon cancer
Usually serious?Can be
Get checked ifAny blood mixed into stool or a rectal lump
If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide? Call or text 988.

Overview

Polyps are growths on the colon lining. Most cause no symptoms and are found during screening. Some types (adenomas) can become cancer over years.

Bright red blood on the toilet paper is often from hemorrhoids or a tear. Blood mixed into the stool, dark stool, a change in bowel habits, or weight loss can be signs of colon cancer and need a colonoscopy.

When to get medical care

Call 911Large amounts of blood, or bleeding with dizziness or fainting.
Get care todayBlack, tarry stools. Bleeding that won't stop.
See a doctor soonBlood mixed into the stool. A rectal lump. A change in bowel habits lasting weeks. Unexplained weight loss or tiredness. Follow-up colonoscopy after polyps.

Causes

Causes include colon polyps, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, diverticular bleeding, inflammatory bowel disease, and colorectal cancer.

OwieClear has pages on 2 conditions that can cause colon polyps, a rectal lump, or blood mixed into the stool. Each shows how soon to get care.

Common causes

What you can do at home

  • Keep your follow-up colonoscopy schedule.
  • Eat fiber and stay active.
  • Don't smoke and limit alcohol and red meat.

Medicines

Polyps are removed during colonoscopy. Cancer is treated with surgery and other therapies. Hemorrhoids and fissures have their own treatments.

At the doctor

A colonoscopy looks at the whole colon.

Questions you may be asked

  • Bleeding color and amount
  • Bowel changes
  • Family history of colon cancer or polyps

The exam

A rectal exam.

Tests

  • Colonoscopy
  • Blood count

Prevention

Screening saves lives.

  • Start colon screening at 45 or earlier if at risk
  • Eat fiber
  • Don't smoke

Check your symptoms

Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.

Start the symptom checker

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.