Rectal discharge

[citation needed] Mucus coats the walls of the colon in health, functioning as a protective barrier and also to aid peristalsis by lubrication of stool.

The differential diagnosis of rectal discharge is extensive, but the general etiological themes are infection and inflammation.

[11] Some lesions can cause a discharge by mechanically interfering with, or preventing the complete closure of, the anal canal.

This type of lesion may not cause discharge intrinsically, but instead, allow transit of liquid stool components and mucus.

[18] After colostomy, the distal section of bowel continues to produce mucus despite fecal diversion, often resulting in mucinous discharge.

[citation needed] Fistulae draining into the perianal region, as well as pilonidal diseases, are the main entities that fall within this category.

[24] The condition is usually asymptomatic, but symptoms can include rectal discharge (which can be creamy, purulent or bloody), pruritus ani, tenesmus, and possibly constipation.

[27] When the fecal stream is diverted as part of a colostomy, a condition called diversion colitis may develop in the section of bowel that no longer is in contact with stool.

The mucosal lining is nourished by short-chain fatty acids, which are produced as a result of bacterial fermentation in the gut.

[27] Symptoms include a painful lump, bleeding, pruritus ani, tenesmus, discharge or possibly fecal incontinence.

[30] Rare neoplasms at this site that can give rise to discharge include Paget's disease (which is possibly a type of adenocarcinoma) and verrucous carcinoma.

Large adenomas can cause rectal bleeding, mucus discharge, tenesmus, and a sensation of urgency.