One of the common problems in the bowel elimination system of the body is the development of hemorrhoids. Indifferent to age, gender, or race, majority, if not all of the population, encounter this ailment. Though no definite cause is pinpointed for its incidence, research has considered several factors that contribute to its occurrence, such as diet, lifestyle, bowel habits, constipation, and pregnancy. Hemorrhoids appear as enlarged and bulging veins in the lining of the anal canal or lumps on the skin or the external surrounding of the anus.
Classified as either internal hemorrhoids or external hemorrhoids, these engorged veins become problematic due to the symptoms they present such as swelling, itching, pain, and bleeding. Though the presence of hemorrhoids does not require extensive medical attention, individuals are generally encouraged to have it checked since its symptoms may also relate to other complications in the bowels such as colon cancer.
Colon cancer, in contrast to hemorrhoids, is the proliferation of abnormal cells that invade typical tissues and develop into malignant tumors. Though the tumors may present as lumps and can also grow along the anal canal, it is important to note that these tumors are described as hard and immovable masses, as opposed to the often soft bulges of which are hemorrhoids in nature. However, a growing concern among individuals is that colon cancer and hemorrhoids can both exhibit symptoms such as swelling or mass growth, anorectal pain, and most significantly, rectal bleeding. The similarity in symptoms can bring about anxiety in the affected individual therefore, it is necessary to differentiate the appearance of symptoms between the two.
When the hemorrhoidal symptoms are noticed, it must always be noted that the indicators of the condition are limited to swelling, inflammation, itching, pain or discomfort in passing out stools, and bleeding is constrained to droplets or streaks that generally seizes as soon as the hemorrhoids have shrunk.
On the other hand, symptoms that may lead to the suspicion of colon cancer are not only limited to the aforementioned signs for hemorrhoids. It can be noted that the symptoms of this condition can appear in the oncologic condition. However, the case becomes more defined by looking for additional indicators such as continuous bleeding, spontaneous onset of pain in the abdominal and rectal area, significant change in the pattern of bowel movement, substantial weight loss, and associating the individual to a familial history of cancer. Thorough investigation and physical examination of the area is critical for diagnosis of colon cancer and hemorrhoids, and individuals that may have suspicion or anxiety when encountering health issues in bowel elimination should always seek medical help.
Because there is a rampant incidence of colorectal cancer worldwide, ranking third in the type of oncologic conditions affecting society, individuals in the medical field are more cautious in evaluating problems that involve the colon and rectum. Although there is no evident relationship between colon cancer and hemorrhoids, nor is there proof that the development of hemorrhoids can lead to malignancy, the similarity of symptoms between the two health issues may result to misdiagnosis of the disease, and it is important that appropriate treatment can be given.
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