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.

Melena vs. Hematochezia

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dec 07, 2023

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Comparison Chart

Color of Stool

Black and tarry

Bright red or maroon

Dec 07, 2023

Typical Location

Upper GI tract (e.g., stomach, small intestine)

Lower GI tract (e.g., colon, rectum)

Dec 07, 2023

Common Causes

Ulcers, cancers, varices

Hemorrhoids, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer

Dec 07, 2023

Indication of Severity

Often indicates serious conditions

Can range from minor to serious conditions

Dec 07, 2023

Diagnostic Procedure

Upper endoscopy

Colonoscopy

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.

Dec 07, 2023

Hematochezia

Lower GI Bleeding

The doctor suspected a lower GI source for the hematochezia.

Dec 07, 2023

Melena

Tarry Consistency

The tarry consistency of her stool suggested melena.

Dec 07, 2023

Hematochezia

Colon Issue Indicator

The occurrence of hematochezia led to a colonoscopy.

Dec 07, 2023

Melena

Chronic Bleeding Sign

Melena can be a sign of chronic internal bleeding.

Dec 07, 2023

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Hematochezia

Bright Red Stool

Hematochezia was evident with the bright red blood in his stool.

Dec 07, 2023

Melena

Digestive Bleeding

Melena often results from bleeding in the stomach.

Dec 07, 2023

Hematochezia

Fresh Blood Sign

Hematochezia usually indicates fresh blood in the stool.

Dec 07, 2023

Melena

Upper GI Issue Indicator

The presence of melena prompted an upper endoscopy.

Dec 07, 2023

Hematochezia

Rectal Bleeding

Hematochezia can often result from rectal bleeding.

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.

Oct 19, 2023

Hematochezia

(medicine) The presence of fresh (bright red) blood in stools, often due to lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

Oct 19, 2023

Melena

The passage of dark, tarry stools containing blood, a result of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Oct 19, 2023

Hematochezia

Passage of stools containing blood (as from diverticulosis or colon cancer or peptic ulcer)

Oct 19, 2023

Melena

See Melæna.

Oct 19, 2023

Melena

Abnormally dark tarry feces containing blood (usually from gastrointestinal bleeding)

Oct 19, 2023

Repeatedly Asked Queries

What color is melena?

Black and tarry.

Dec 07, 2023

Is hematochezia bright red?

Yes, it's bright red or maroon.

Dec 07, 2023

How serious is melena?

It's often a sign of a serious condition.

Dec 07, 2023

Can hematochezia be caused by hemorrhoids?

Yes, among other lower GI issues.

Dec 07, 2023

Does melena require urgent medical attention?

Yes, it usually does.

Dec 07, 2023

Is melena a sign of chronic bleeding?

It can indicate chronic internal bleeding.

Dec 07, 2023

How fast does hematochezia indicate bleeding?

It suggests rapid or recent bleeding.

Dec 07, 2023

Can hematochezia appear as maroon in color?

Yes, it can be bright red or maroon.

Dec 07, 2023

Where does hematochezia typically originate?

From the lower GI tract.

Dec 07, 2023

Is hematochezia always serious?

It can range from minor to severe conditions.

Dec 07, 2023

What causes melena?

Commonly caused by upper GI bleeding, like ulcers.

Dec 07, 2023

Does hematochezia indicate a need for medical evaluation?

Yes, medical assessment is necessary.

Dec 07, 2023

What is a diagnostic tool for hematochezia?

Colonoscopy is commonly used.

Dec 07, 2023

What does melena indicate about the location of bleeding?

Bleeding in the upper GI tract.

Dec 07, 2023

Can diet affect the appearance of hematochezia?

Certain foods can affect color, but true hematochezia is due to bleeding.

Dec 07, 2023

What lower GI conditions cause hematochezia?

Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer.

Dec 07, 2023

Is the appearance of melena due to digested blood?

Yes, it's black due to digestion.

Dec 07, 2023

What is the consistency of melena?

Sticky and tar-like.

Dec 07, 2023

Can melena be caused by stomach cancer?

Yes, among other conditions.

Dec 07, 2023

Are ulcers a common cause of melena?

They are one of the common causes.

Dec 07, 2023

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About Author

Written by

Shumaila 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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