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2. Appearance

Rectal bleeding may be noticed in various ways. Some people see it when wiping or in the toilet after a bowel movement. Others may notice that their stool is not a normal color, appearing dark red or black. The stool's consistency may be similar to coffee grounds or tar. Sometimes, rectal bleeding occurs in small amounts that are not visible with the naked eye. This is called occult bleeding and can be detected via a fecal occult blood test using a small sample of stool.

wiping toilet blood TheDman / Getty Images

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This site offers information designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information on this site as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for, professional counseling care, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.