A 50-year-old male presents with worsening constipation, unintended weight loss, and rectal bleeding. What could be the potential causes, and what are the next steps?
In a patient of this age, these symptoms are concerning for colorectal cancer. Other potential causes include hemorrhoids, anal fissure, or inflammatory bowel disease. The next steps should include a complete blood count to check for anemia, a fecal occult blood test to confirm rectal bleeding, and a colonoscopy to visualize the colon and rectum and potentially biopsy any suspicious lesions.