Although colon cancer and hemorrhoids are different diseases, people sometimes co-relate them. Hemorrhoids vs Colon Cancer: What’s the difference b/w them? You asked.
Bowel movements with blood lumps at the anal hole or discomfort might signify a more severe problem.
Hemorrhoids, a common but harmless ailment, are to blame in most instances. Colorectal cancer, the third-leading cause of cancer deaths, might have similar symptoms.
Which of these symptoms are you experiencing, and how can we best address them?
Hemorrhoids vs Colon Cancer
What Are Hemorrhoids?
It’s common for people to suffer from hemorrhoids because they have enlarged, swollen blood vessels in their abdomen, called the rectum.
As a result of straining during bowel movements, persistent constipation or diarrhea, pregnancy, long periods of standing or lifting, age, and even inheritance, they may develop inside and outward.
In men and women over 50, hemorrhoids are the most prevalent cause of discomfort.
What Is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is cancer that develops in either the colon (large intestines) or rectum.
Polyps, or growths on the inner lining of those places, are the most common kind of infection. There are several reasons why polyps may become invasive and spread to your blood arteries or lymph nodes if left uncontrolled.
Colorectal cancer, like hemorrhoids, affects men and women equally and is most frequent in those over 50.
While screenings for colorectal cancer are reducing overall mortality, the diagnosis of the disease among young individuals (30-50 years old) is on the increase — rising by approximately 2.5% annually.
Read More: Does walking irritate hemorrhoids?
While the causes behind this remain a mystery, it serves as a reminder to seek medical attention as soon as you notice any symptoms. When diagnosed early, colorectal cancer survival chances are pretty high.
Are Hemorrhoids and Colorectal Cancer Related?
Aside from rectal bleeding, irritation, and possible masses at the anal entrance that hemorrhoids may cause, colon cancer is not caused by hemorrhoids.
Patients may delay seeking medical attention because they think it’s “just hemorrhoids,” which allows malignant cells more opportunity to increase.
- Colorectal cancer may also present with these symptoms:
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Stools laced with blood
- Pain in the abdomen caused by gas or cramps is common
- Being unable to evacuate your bowels entirely or feeling bloated.
- An unexpected drop in weight with no apparent cause
- Vomiting or nausea
- Fatigue
