Rectal adenomas are benign growths inside the rectum that can turn cancerous over time. Because they sit low in the bowel, changes show up early and are easy to spot.

Painless bleeding is the classic sign. Bright-red blood drips into the bowl or shows on the toilet paper after you wipe.

Mucus coating is common. Stool looks shiny or slimy, as though it’s been wrapped in clear jelly.

Bowel habit changes. You may feel the urge to go again right after finishing, or have looser stools than usual.

Itching or leakage occurs. The adenoma leaks mucus, irritating the skin around the anus and making you want to scratch.

A lump you can feel may appear if the adenoma sits low and grows large.

Late signs include continuous bleeding, weight loss, or a change in stool shape—an alarm that the adenoma has turned cancerous.