The moment you hear the word “cancer,” you get cold feet. It evokes a deep sense of concern and unease. But what if you’re also grappling with another common condition – hemorrhoids or piles – which share some symptoms with cancer?
Suddenly, the worries compound, and distinguishing between the two becomes crucial for peace of mind and proper medical care. So, do Hemorrhoids indicate a Risk of Developing Cancer? Let’s find out from Dr Amita Jain the leading laparoscopic surgeon, and piles consultant doctor.
First of all, we need to understand the difference between Hemorrhoids and Cancer.
Hemorrhoids Vs Cancer
Hemorrhoids, also known as “piles,” are swollen veins within the rectum or around the rectum, often felt as lumps. In contrast, cancer arises from uncontrolled cell growth.
Cancer can also appear as a growth or lump in the rectum. While both conditions share similar symptoms, they are distinct. Recognizing these differences is crucial for seeking proper treatment.
- Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum, whereas cancer involves uncontrolled cell growth.
- Hemorrhoids often present with lumps near the rectum, which can be felt or seen, especially after straining during bowel movements. Cancer may also cause lumps, but they tend to be deeper and may not be directly visible or palpable.
- Symptoms of hemorrhoids typically improve with home remedies like increased fiber intake, sitz baths, or over-the-counter creams, while cancer symptoms persist or worsen over time.
- Risk factors for hemorrhoids include pregnancy, constipation, and a history of the condition, whereas cancer risk factors include age over 50, family history of cancer, and smoking.
Is it Hemorrhoids or cancer-how do you find out?
Bowel Movements
Hemorrhoids: Painful or uncomfortable bowel movements, significant itching, and blood in stools or from around the rectum.
Cancer: Change in bowel habits, including frequent straining with little or no stool passed, and passage of small, flat stools.
Bleeding
Hemorrhoids: Bright red bleeding that decreases after defecation.
Cancer: Bleeding may be dark red or bright red.
Appearance of Lumps
Hemorrhoids: Palpable lumps in the rectum or protrusion from the rectum, especially during certain activities like sneezing, laughing, coughing, or prolonged standing.
Cancer: Difficulty visualizing the tumor, but a sensation of a lump in the rectum, with a rough and hard texture in the affected area.
Additional Symptoms of Cancer:
- Swollen lymph nodes in the groin.
- Abnormal bleeding from the part.
- Decreased appetite and unexplained weight loss.
- General poor health and fatigue.
- Bowel obstructions and anemia resulting from blood loss.
Certain circumstances that help you distinguish between the two are:
- Hemorrhoids are more likely if you have risk factors like pregnancy, obesity, low-fiber diet, heavy lifting, , chronic constipation or diarrhea, straining during bowel movements, or prolonged sitting in the toilet.
- By using a mirror to examine your rectum, you might notice a firm, red lump, possibly covered in mucus, or a cluster of soft lumps close to each other. It may resemble a hemorrhoid.
- While the symptoms of hemorrhoids do not persist and usually go away within a few days, symptoms of cancer tend to persist and worsen gradually.
This article has simply outlined the key distinctions between hemorrhoids and cancer, emphasizing symptoms, risk factors, and diagnostic approaches.
Understanding these differences is vital for timely intervention and alleviating anxieties associated with both conditions, ensuring appropriate medical care. Do not hesitate to consult your doctor if you’re in pain.
Dr Amita Jain is a surgeon with highest degree of professional competence, precision and surgical craftsmanship. Performed all complicated general surgery procedures with in depth knowledge of invasive and few minimal invasive and onco surgical techniques. Underwent special training in trauma, executed various trauma-related complex life-saving neurosurgical procedures, reconstructed injured mangled limbs and performed vascular and reconstructive procedures with critical care.
Dr Amita Jain holds 28 plus years of rich experience in Trauma and General Laparoscopic Surgeries (including Gallbladder stone removal, appendix removal, hernia repair surgery, piles and fissure surgeries). She was the Professor Surgery of at the Army College of Medical Sciences and Base Hospital Delhi Cantt. In 1994 she was commissioned as Surgeon under the United Nations Mission in Congo. From 2020 to 2022, she worked with Bansals Hospital. Currently, Dr Amita Jain is the Senior Consultant, (Speciality: General and Laparoscopic Surgeon) at Artemis Lite Hospital, New Delhi