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Colitis
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Image 1
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Image 2
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Radiation Proctitis
At times, radiation is used to treat prostate cancer or cancer of
the female organs. The rectum resides just behind the prostate in
the male and the vagina and uterus in the female, so when
radiation hits these organs to eradicate the cancer, it also can
affect the bowel wall. Radiation proctitis is really a myriad of
new, tiny blood vessels on the surface of the rectum. They are
generally weak-walled meaning they can bleed with minimal trauma,
resulting in blood in the stool. If the bleeding is severe, anemia
or a low red cell blood count can occur. Image 1 is a mild case,
showing these tiny blood vessels. Image 2 is severe with many
blood vessels seen and actually a bit of bleeding as well. This
condition can be treated with laser or other methods to coagulate
these blood vessels and stop the bleeding.
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