We often hear about the importance of screening tests, but few people know exactly what the term „occult blood” means, or why it is of critical importance to our health. If you’d like to find out more about this invisible yet telling phenomenon, this article is for you. Our aim is to explain, in simple terms and from a medical perspective, the causes of occult bleeding, the diagnostic options available and the importance of prevention, so that you too can make more informed choices about your own and your family’s health.
From Endomedix Gastroenterology Centre Our specialists are committed to the early detection of diseases. Detecting occult blood is one of the simplest, yet most effective, ways of identifying changes in the digestive tract in good time. Find out the key facts!
What exactly is ‘occult blood’ in the stool?
Occult (or, in medical terms, hidden) bleeding means that there is such a minimal amount of blood present in the stool that it is not visible to the naked eye. It does not discolour the stools, nor does it appear as a bright red stain on the toilet paper, so it goes unnoticed by the patient.
Nevertheless, its presence is pathological, as it indicates that there is a lesion, inflammation or neoplastic change at some point along the digestive tract, from which blood is leaking. As this bleeding is often continuous or recurrent, it can be reliably detected using laboratory methods (faecal occult blood test).
Why is it important to detect occult blood?
The detection of occult bleeding is primarily based on screening for bowel cancer a key tool. This is because tumours of the large intestine and the benign polyps that precede them often bleed slightly even before they cause any other symptoms (such as pain or a change in bowel habits).
If hidden blood is detected during the screening, this provides an opportunity to:
- Let’s act in good time: Early-stage bowel cancer has an excellent chance of being cured.
- Preventing problems: Precancerous polyps can be removed during the examination, thereby preventing the development of cancer.
- Let’s identify the areas of inflammation: Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases may also be identified, and treating them can help prevent future complications.
What underlying conditions might be responsible?
It is important to emphasise that a positive faecal occult blood test does not necessarily indicate cancer. There are many other conditions, often benign, that can cause occult bleeding:
- Colon polyps: These growths, which originate in the intestinal wall, are the most common sources of occult bleeding. Although they are initially benign, certain types may develop into tumours over the course of several years.
- Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD): During the active phase of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, blood may seep out due to inflammation and ulceration of the intestinal mucosa.
- Diverticulosis: The small pouches (diverticula) that form on the wall of the large intestine can also bleed, particularly if they become inflamed.
- Stomach or duodenal ulcer: Although these often cause dark, tar-like stools, in cases of minor bleeding only a faecal occult blood test will detect the problem.
- Haemorrhoids or anal fissures: Although these usually cause visible bleeding, even a minimal amount of blood in a stool sample can sometimes result in a positive test result.
How can it be diagnosed?
Nowadays, state-of-the-art methods are used to detect occult blood, known as immunological faecal occult blood tests (FIT) are used. These tests specifically detect human haemoglobin, so – unlike older methods – they do not require a special diet prior to the test (previously, for example, red meat had to be avoided).
If the result of the faecal occult blood test is positive, the doctor will always recommend further tests. The most important and most accurate next step is the colonoscopy. This examination enables the doctor to examine the large bowel directly, locate the source of the bleeding, take a tissue sample, or remove any polyps found immediately. The At Endomedix This procedure can also be carried out under anaesthesia, so it is completely pain-free.
Who should take part in the screening?
According to international and national professional guidelines:
- Aged 45–50 and over: Regular screening is recommended for everyone, even if they have no symptoms.
- In case of family involvement: If a close relative has been diagnosed with bowel cancer or has had a polyp, screening should begin earlier (usually from the age of 40 or 10 years before the relative’s diagnosis).
- When symptoms appear: In the event of abdominal pain, a change in bowel habits or anaemia, a medical examination is recommended regardless of age.
When to consult a specialist: Maintaining liver health is a complex task, in which prevention plays a key role. However, if you experience any symptoms or are in a high-risk group, do not hesitate to consult a specialist. The Endomedix Gastroenterology Centre is equipped with modern diagnostic tools and staffed by highly qualified specialists to provide an accurate diagnosis and develop a personalised treatment plan. Early detection and appropriate treatment can prevent serious, irreversible liver damage and significantly improve your quality of life. Don’t let misconceptions influence your healthcare decisions! Get your information from reliable sources and take the first step towards a healthy liver today!
