Melena vs. Hematochezia: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Melena is black, tarry stool due to digested blood, typically indicating upper GI bleeding. Hematochezia is bright red blood in stool, suggesting lower GI bleeding.
Key Differences
Melena is characterized by black, tarry stools, which are a result of blood that has been digested, typically indicating bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Hematochezia, in contrast, presents as bright red or maroon blood in the stool, usually signifying bleeding in the lower GI tract, such as the colon or rectum.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
The cause of melena often includes ulcers, cancers, or varices in the upper GI tract. Hematochezia's causes are more varied, including hemorrhoids, inflammatory bowel disease, or colorectal cancer, affecting the lower GI areas.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
The appearance of melena, black and sticky, is due to the digestion of blood as it travels through the GI tract, a process that takes time. Hematochezia's bright red color is because the blood has not been digested and indicates a more rapid or recent bleeding closer to the rectum.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
Melena is usually indicative of a more serious condition and often requires urgent medical attention. Hematochezia, while also needing medical evaluation, can result from conditions that are often less immediately severe.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
In diagnosing melena, upper endoscopy is commonly employed. For hematochezia, colonoscopy is often the diagnostic tool of choice, aimed at visualizing the lower GI tract to identify the source of bleeding.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Typical Location
Upper GI tract (e.g., stomach, small intestine)
Lower GI tract (e.g., colon, rectum)
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
Common Causes
Ulcers, cancers, varices
Hemorrhoids, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer
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Dec 07, 2023
Indication of Severity
Often indicates serious conditions
Can range from minor to serious conditions
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Dec 07, 2023
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Melena and Hematochezia Definitions
Melena
Black Stool
The patient's melena was indicative of an upper GI bleed.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
Hematochezia
Lower GI Bleeding
The doctor suspected a lower GI source for the hematochezia.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
Melena
Tarry Consistency
The tarry consistency of her stool suggested melena.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
Hematochezia
Colon Issue Indicator
The occurrence of hematochezia led to a colonoscopy.
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Dec 07, 2023
Melena
Chronic Bleeding Sign
Melena can be a sign of chronic internal bleeding.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
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Hematochezia
Bright Red Stool
Hematochezia was evident with the bright red blood in his stool.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
Melena
Digestive Bleeding
Melena often results from bleeding in the stomach.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
Hematochezia
Fresh Blood Sign
Hematochezia usually indicates fresh blood in the stool.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
Melena
Upper GI Issue Indicator
The presence of melena prompted an upper endoscopy.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
Hematochezia
Rectal Bleeding
Hematochezia can often result from rectal bleeding.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
Melena
The passage of black, tarry stools composed largely of blood that has been acted on by gastric juices, indicative of bleeding in the upper digestive tract.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Hematochezia
(medicine) The presence of fresh (bright red) blood in stools, often due to lower gastrointestinal bleeding.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Melena
The passage of dark, tarry stools containing blood, a result of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Hematochezia
Passage of stools containing blood (as from diverticulosis or colon cancer or peptic ulcer)
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Melena
Abnormally dark tarry feces containing blood (usually from gastrointestinal bleeding)
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can hematochezia be caused by hemorrhoids?
Yes, among other lower GI issues.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
Is melena a sign of chronic bleeding?
It can indicate chronic internal bleeding.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
How fast does hematochezia indicate bleeding?
It suggests rapid or recent bleeding.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
Can hematochezia appear as maroon in color?
Yes, it can be bright red or maroon.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
Is hematochezia always serious?
It can range from minor to severe conditions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
Does hematochezia indicate a need for medical evaluation?
Yes, medical assessment is necessary.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
What does melena indicate about the location of bleeding?
Bleeding in the upper GI tract.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
Can diet affect the appearance of hematochezia?
Certain foods can affect color, but true hematochezia is due to bleeding.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
What lower GI conditions cause hematochezia?
Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
Is the appearance of melena due to digested blood?
Yes, it's black due to digestion.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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