Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsKey DifferencesHemorrhoid SymptomsAnal Cancer SymptomsHemorrhoid CausesAnal Cancer CausesDiagnosisHemorrhoid TreatmentAnal Cancer Treatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Key Differences
Hemorrhoid Symptoms
Anal Cancer Symptoms
Hemorrhoid Causes
Anal Cancer Causes
Diagnosis
Hemorrhoid Treatment
Anal Cancer Treatment
Anal cancerandhemorrhoidsare different conditions that have some similar characteristics. They affect the same region of the body and share some symptoms, such as lumps in the anus andrectal bleeding.
Anal cancer develops when the cells lining the anus begin to grow abnormally. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus. It’s important to known when to seek a medical evaluation, as it’s not possible to make a diagnosis based on symptoms alone.
This article will explain the key differences between anal cancer and hemorrhoids, when to see a healthcare provider, diagnosis, and treatment
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Anal Cancer vs. Hemorrhoids: Key Differences
Although they may have similar symptoms, there are key differences betweenanal cancerand hemorrhoids. One of the major differences is the cause of the discomfort and bleeding.
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Signs and Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
The most common symptom of hemorrhoids is rectal bleeding, usually noticed as bright redblood on the stoolor on the toilet paper after having a bowel movement. In addition to bleeding, othersymptoms of hemorrhoidsinclude:
The severity of the symptoms can vary based on how inflamed or protruding the hemorrhoids are. Generally, these symptoms are worse when straining to have a bowel movement or sitting for a long time.
Signs and Symptoms of Anal Cancer
Anal cancer canpresent with a variety of symptoms. One of the most common symptoms is rectal bleeding. This can be seen during bowel movements or noticed in the stool. Other symptoms of anal cancer include:
What Causes Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids develop when the veins in the rectum or anus become swollen or inflamed, usually due to increased pressure in the pelvic area. This increased pressure can occur due to a variety of reasons:
What Causes Anal Cancer?
Anal cancer develops when cells in the tissue lining the anus become abnormal and grow uncontrollably. A common cause of anal cancer is infection with certain strains ofhuman papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV types 16 and 18. Other risk factors for developing anal cancer include:
While anal cancer is relatively rare, understanding these causes and risk factors can help individuals take preventive measures (such asvaccination for HPV) and undergo regular screening to detect any abnormalities early, improving the chances of successful treatment.
Diagnosing Anal Cancer vs. Hemorrhoids
The start of the process for diagnosing hemorrhoids or anal cancer begins with a thorough medical history assessing for any risk factors such as HPV infection, smoking, or a history of cancer. A physical examination of the anal region will be performed to evaluate for any lumps, growths, or other abnormalities.
During the examination, the provider may visually inspect the anal area and gently palpate to check for swelling, irritation, or lumps. In some cases, adigital rectal examinationmay be performed to evaluate the inside of the rectum for any abnormalities.Diagnosing hemorrhoids is usually pretty straightforward based on examination.
Additional tests may be ordered if your diagnosis is still unclear or if other severe symptoms are present. These tests may include anoscopy, during which a small tubelike instrument is placed in the anus to offer a detailed view. They may perform asigmoidoscopyorcolonoscopyto examine the colon and rectum for other potential causes of symptoms.
If anal cancer is suspected, testing needs to be done to confirm cancerous cells are present, as well as to determine the extent of the disease. Additional diagnostic tests can include:
The diagnostic process for anal cancer is extensive. An accurate diagnosis of the disease to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
How Hemorrhoids Are Treated
Thetreatment for hemorrhoidsdepends on the severity of symptoms and the type of hemorrhoids present. The goal is to relieve symptoms, reduce swelling, and improve quality of life.
For mild cases, self-care measures can improve symptoms and help with healing. These include:
Over-the-counter (OTC) topical creams, ointments, or suppositories contain ingredients like witch hazel and hydrocortisone that may help with itching, swelling, and discomfort.However, there is little clinical research that prove they are effective.
In more severe cases, medical procedures may be recommended. These can includerubber band ligation (banding), in which a small rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply, causing it to shrink and fall off.
Another procedure is sclerotherapy, which involves injecting a chemical solution into the hemorrhoid to shrink it. In some cases,surgical interventionmay be necessary to remove large or prolapsed (extending from the anus) hemorrhoids.
How Anal Cancer Is Treated
The treatment for anal cancer depends on the stage of the cancer and the person’s overall health. Treatment often involves multiple interventions, which may include:
Some cancers affect only the anal margin (the area around the anus). If they can be removed without harming the anal sphincter, local excision can be performed. The tumor, along with a margin of healthy tissue, is removed.
If the cancer remains after this treatment, abdominoperineal resection (APR) surgery may be recommended. This surgery removes the anus, rectum, and sigmoid colon. Acolostomycreates a new opening in the large intestine and the abdomen for stool to exit the body and be collected in a bag.
Immunotherapy and targeted therapy are newer treatment options for certain types of anal cancer. These work differently than chemotherapy, as these medications use the immune system to fight the cancer or they target a particular pathway the cancer uses to grow.
The choice of treatment depends on multiple factors and is tailored to each person’s cancer, with the goal of achieving the best possible outcome while minimizing side effects and maintaining quality of life.
Summary
Although anal cancer and hemorrhoids have shared symptoms, such as rectal bleeding and lumps in the anus, they are two very different conditions with different diagnosis and treatments. Anal cancer results from abnormal cell growth in the anal tissues, while hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus.
If you’re experiencing symptoms such as rectal bleeding, pain, or a lump, seek a medical evaluation promptly, as these are not symptoms of which you should self-diagnose. Healthcare providers can determine a diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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