So, what is the difference between hemorrhoids and anal cancer? In response to this question, Doctor Chau Tan Dat, Head of Oncology Department, Ca Mau General Hospital, said: "Hemorrhoids with swelling, pain and bleeding make many people afraid of cancer. However, there are many differences between hemorrhoids and anal and colon cancer.
Doctor Chau Tan Dat information, according to medical evidence, anal cancer is an abnormal growth of anal cells, which can metastasize to other parts of the body. This is a very dangerous disease, if not detected and treated early, can be life-threatening.
However, for hemorrhoids, it is a condition in which the anal tissues (containing veins) become swollen due to prolonged constipation, causing inflammation, developing blood clots or the anus becomes enlarged and protruding causing discomfort. These hemorrhoids can be inside the anus (internal hemorrhoids) or protrude partially or completely (external hemorrhoids).
 |
| Doctor of Hung My Commune Health Station (Cai Nuoc District) performs ultrasound imaging to diagnose patients. (illustration) |
Both types of hemorrhoids and anal cancer have many similar symptoms, easy to cause subjective or excessive worry for the patient. However, they have different causes.
The most common cause of anal cancer is the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is common in people over the age of 40. People who have multiple sex partners or have anal sex are at a higher risk than usual.
As for hemorrhoids, the cause is believed to be due to a long-term lifestyle and stress, eating a lot of hot and spicy foods, being sedentary, lack of exercise, chronic constipation. Hemorrhoids are also common in pregnant women.
Oncologists have shown specific symptoms such as changing bowel habits, causing bleeding during the patient's defecation. In particular, for anal cancer, the common symptom is a change in bowel habits. The patient may suffer from straining (having a bowel movement many times, each time passing little or no stool), passing small and flat stools. People with hemorrhoids often suffer from chronic constipation. In addition, there is anal bleeding. Both of these diseases cause anal bleeding. However, people with hemorrhoids often have bright red bleeding, which decreases after defecation. While in anal cancer, the blood may be dark red or bright red.
Dr. Chau Tan Dat explained more about the difference between the two diseases: “In people with external hemorrhoids, hemorrhoids can be palpated in the anus or protruded completely. Hemorrhoids can also come out when an infected person sneezes, laughs, coughs or when standing for a long time. Meanwhile, in anal cancer patients, it is difficult to see the tumor but just feel like there is a lump in the anus. Touching the anal area may feel rough, awkward.
In fact, there are many cases of disease with atypical manifestations, it is necessary to use examination and testing methods to distinguish the difference between hemorrhoids and colon cancer, hemorrhoids and anal cancer. Therefore, in order to accurately ensure their disease, patients need to see a gastroenterologist for an accurate diagnosis as well as the most appropriate treatment possible.
Phuong Vu
