Occult Blood in Stool: Benign Polyps and Other Potential Causes

Occult blood (hemoglobin detected chemically/microscopically, not visibly) can originate from benign colorectal polyps due to fragile surface vessels or mechanical abrasion. However, many other conditions also cause occult bleeding:

• Hemorrhoids
• Diverticular disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis)
• Medications (NSAIDs, anticoagulants)
• Malignancy (colorectal cancer)

Colonoscopy is the gold standard to identify the source and guide management.