Unusual bleeding: For example, rectal bleeding or black or tarry stools. Or bloody vomit.
What it might mean: Ulcers and colon cancer can cause rectal bleeding; stomach, lung and esophageal cancers can trigger bloody vomit. Other possibilities include hemorrhoids. Coughing up blood may be linked to bronchitis, pneumonia or tuberculosis. Blood in urine can be the result of bladder or kidney infections. Postmenopausal vaginal bleeding may be due to the growth of polyps or fibroids.