This can lead people with rectal bleeding or lumps in the anus to think they have cancer.
Hemorrhoids are more common than cancer and are the most likely explanation for rectal bleeding or pain. However, it is impossible for a person to diagnose himself based on symptoms alone, so it is important to talk to a doctor.
How to tell the difference between hemorrhoids and cancer.
Hemorrhoids refer to swollen veins in the rectum and anus. They can be irritated and bleed, hurt or itch. Cancer develops because cells grow out of control. Anal cancer can cause growths or lumps in the rectum or anus, while colon cancer affects the vagina and does not cause lumps or bumps that people can feel with their hands. It is not always possible to tell the difference between cancer and hemorrhoids.
Symptoms may be more due to hemorrhoids of:
– the person has risk factors for hemorrhoids, such as current pregnancy, constipation, a history of having a bowel movement, or a history of bleeding.
– symptoms improve with home care, a high fiber diet, sitz baths or application of hemorrhoid creams
– the person may have a soft lump or bump near the anus or see a swollen vein using a mirror.
– symptoms come and go but do not improve or cause other symptoms, such as weight loss
It is important to talk to the doctor about any changes in health status, because it is very easy to treat cancer in its early stages.
Factors that increase the risk of cancer include:
– is over 50 years old
– has a family history of cancer
– to smoke
Symptoms of hemorrhoids
Some symptoms that indicate the presence of hemorrhoids include
– pain or burning near the entrance to the rectum
– pain that worsens after a bowel movement
– rectal irritation
– blood in the stool
The symptoms of anal cancer are similar, so it is important to ask the doctor if there is a growth or bleeding that will not go away.
Anal cancer is very easy to treat, especially if it is diagnosed and treated at an early stage.
Cancer symptoms
Muscle cancer often causes no symptoms in its early stages. This is why regular colon cancer screenings are important for your health. Here are some symptoms that people may notice:
– tarry stool
– blood in the stool
– bleeding from the rectum
– the feeling of having to use the toilet, which does not disappear after a bowel movement
– pressure or pain in the stomach
– fatigue or weakness
– prolonged and persistent change in bowel habits, such as frequent diarrhea or constipation
– unintentional weight loss
– nausea
Causes of hemorrhoids
Anyone can get hemorrhoids, and the risk increases with age. Hemorrhoids can be internal, which means that the damaged vein is inside the rectum, or external, which means that it is outside the rectum. Always at the door. Internal hemorrhoids are usually painful, while external hemorrhoids can be painful.
A hemorrhoid occurs when a vein in the rectum becomes irritated and inflamed. It increases and causes fire to burn against it. It can be painful.
Hemorrhoids are natural. Here are some risk factors:
– pregnancy, overweight or obesity, as they increase the pressure on the rectum
– Constipation or following a small meal in the sea
– straining to have a bowel movement
– in a sedentary lifestyle
Causes of cancer
Cancer is a complex disease without a cause. Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing anal cancer, too
– a history of human papillomavirus
– to smoke
– suffering from chronic injuries to the anus
– is over 55 years old
A person is more likely to develop colon cancer if they
– is overweight or obese
– have a family history of colon cancer
– eat a lot of fried foods
– to smoke
– drink a lot of alcohol
Genetics can also play a role. People with a family history of cancer may be more likely to develop this disease. Age also increases the risk of cancer, and many cancers are less common in young people.
Diagnosis of hemorrhoids and cancer
A doctor can often diagnose anemia by performing a simple rectal exam and taking a medical history. If you see an unusual growth that is not a hemorrhoid, a biopsy may be recommended to check for rectal cancer.
Colon cancer is more difficult to diagnose. Indeed, cancer markers do not necessarily correlate with the presence or absence of cancer. Therefore, the doctor may also recommend a test based on the symptoms. For example, you can ask if a person has bleeding but no bleeding or if treatment for bleeding does not relieve their symptoms. He may do blood tests to look for signs of cancer or recommend a colonoscopy to look for growths. The test involves inserting a thin, flexible tube into the rectum while the person is asleep or sedated. If the doctor finds the growth, they may examine it in the lab or recommend a biopsy.
The sources
Colorectal cancer risk factors. (2020).
Fontem, RF, et al. (2020). Internal bleeding.
MOuncey, AL, et al. (2011). Sadness.
Tests to diagnose and stage colorectal cancer. (2020).
Zahed, R. (n.d.). Is it hemorrhoids or colon cancer?
