Blood on the surface of stool (not mixed in with stool)
Blood on toilet tissue or wipes
A crack in the skin that is visible when the anus is stretched slightly (the fissure is almost always in the midline)
Constipation, often with painful bowel movements
Signs and tests:
Inspection of the rectum
Physical exam of the rectal mucosa
Review Date: 7/15/2004
Reviewed By: Hebe Molmenti, M.D., Ph.D., Private Practice specializing in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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