Hemorrhoids or colon cancer: Causes and treatment

The hemorrhoids are nothing more than an inflamed tissue inside the anus , this fabric are specifically veins very similar to varicose veins. On average 4 out of 5 adults suffer from occasional hemorrhoids, sometimes this does not generate the characteristic symptoms but it does manifest with bleeding and discomfort and also leaves a lot of concern from the first moment they appear.

The fundamental reason for hemorrhoids to appear is that there are veins inside the anus that can expand under the effects of pressure, increasing in size. This is most likely due to the increased tension that exists during bowel movements that are probably dry and hard.

Other causes of hemorrhoids are:

• Sitting for a long period of time.
• Constipation including chronic diarrhea .
• Obesity.
• Low fiber foods.
• Pregnancy.
• Anal sex.

The way hemorrhoids manifest is characteristic but can be easily confused with colon cancer, some of its symptoms are:

• Bleeding with evacuation.
• Irritation and inflammation in the region of the anus.
• Pain when evacuating.
• Lump or knot in the anus or rectal prolapse

It is common for patients with colon cancer initially to believe that they suffer from hemorrhoids simply because their symptoms are similar, however colon cancer or cancer of the large intestine in the early stages manifests with a conglomeration of cells called adenomatous polyps than with over time they can turn into colon cancer.

Although its cause or etiology is still undefined, it is medically known that in the case of colon cancer there is a genetic error in healthy cells, specifically in their DNA, becoming cancerous, thus creating a cellular accumulation that forms the so-called tumor. .

Colon cancer is completely related to poor diet, highlighting a deficit of foods that contain fiber, as well as heredity or family history and inflammatory bowel diseases. Its manifestations are similar to the presence of hemorrhoids, among its symptoms we find:

• Diarrhea or constipation
• Rectal bleeding.
• Flatulence or abdominal pain.
• Weakness or fatigue
• Weight loss for no other apparent reason.

In the initial stage it is very difficult for the characteristic symptoms to appear, the most common that occurs is the modification of bowel habits and rectal bleeding and this is attributable for most of the people in the presence of hemorrhoids, however it is the doctor who will give the proper diagnosis.

The differential diagnosis is completely medical, however, there are some notable signs for each of the pathologies that can be intuited if we are in the presence of hemorrhoids or colon cancer.

• The characteristic of bleeding can intuit us about whether we are in the presence of hemorrhoids or colon cancer, as for example in the case that it is the product of hemorrhoids, the blood will appear in the form of drops on the surface of the stool instead of the Colon cancer is occasionally visible to the naked eye.
• On the other hand, in colon cancer it is characteristic that the stool is much thinner, that is, in the form of a ribbon.
• Constipation due to hemorrhoids is a little less complicated, whereas in colon cancer it lasts much longer.
• Finally another difference from colon cancer and hemorrhoids is that with colon cancer there is severe general weakness and excess weight loss for no other apparent reason.

To make the diagnosis accurately, it is essential to visit the doctor and use certain techniques to differentiate one from the other and apply the treatment if necessary.

In the case of the presence of hemorrhoids, the doctor will determine it through a visual examination and a digital examination, the latter will allow to determine the presence of unusual growths in the area that can make a presumptive diagnosis of colon cancer in this way the doctor could suggest another routine of complementary examinations.

The colonoscopy will be important to determine the presence of signs and symptoms that indicate the existence of some other disease of the digestive tract and allows diagnosing colon cancer, finally this is imperative to indicate treatment warranting the patient depending on the result.

An early diagnosis is essential for the cure of any pathology, especially colon cancer, which is extremely aggressive for those who suffer from it, despite the fact that their mortality has decreased due to the use of better techniques in both prevention and treatment of this disease .

Unquestionably, it is worth preventing any complication that generates the presence of blood in the stool and constipation.

• Eat foods that contain fiber.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Not avoiding going to the bathroom immediately presents itself in need.
• Avoid spending a lot of time sitting.
• Practice exercises.

It is also important to take into account that the presence of bleeding in the stool is not indicative of colon cancer, however, if it is an alarm signal to go immediately to the doctor who will make the diagnosis and apply the appropriate treatment to each situation.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to How to know if I have hemorrhoids or colon cancer , we recommend that you enter our Digestive System category .