Why does gastrointestinal stromal tumour cause blood in stool?

Blood may be bright red, dark red, or make stool look black and tar-like, depending on where bleeding occurs and how long blood has travelled through the gut. Blood in Stool is a common presentation of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour.

Blood in stool has many causes, including haemorrhoids, fissures, inflammation, polyps and other digestive conditions. It should never be assumed to identify a gastrointestinal stromal tumour without medical evaluation.

Contact a clinician promptly for any new or recurrent blood in the stool. They may ask about the colour and amount of blood, abdominal pain, bowel changes, fatigue, medicines and family history. Bring a list of medicines, including anti-inflammatory drugs and blood-thinning treatment.

Do not stop prescribed blood-thinning medication on your own. A clinician can advise whether it needs review while the source of bleeding is being assessed.

Seek emergency care for heavy bleeding, black tar-like stool with weakness or dizziness, fainting, severe abdominal pain, shortness of breath, or confusion. These features can indicate substantial blood loss or another serious problem requiring immediate treatment.

Prompt assessment is also appropriate when bleeding continues, accompanies unexplained tiredness, or occurs with persistent changes in bowel habit.

Ask which tests may help locate the bleeding, whether your medicines could be contributing, and which symptoms should prompt emergency care. Describe when the bleeding began, its colour, whether it is mixed with stool, and any abdominal discomfort or weight change.