Can hemorrhoids cause cramping. How to differentiate between colon cancer and hemorrhoid symptoms. What are the risk factors for colorectal cancer. When should you seek medical attention for rectal bleeding.

Understanding Hemorrhoids: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins located in the anus and rectum area. They are a common condition, affecting approximately half of all adults by the age of 50. Hemorrhoids can be internal (inside the rectum or anus) or external (on or protruding from the rectum or anus).

What causes hemorrhoids?

The exact cause of hemorrhoids is unknown, but they are most likely to occur when there’s an increase in pressure in the anal area. Common causes include:

• Straining during bowel movements
• Pregnancy
• Aging
• Sitting for long periods
• Chronic constipation or diarrhea
• Lifting heavy objects

Symptoms of hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoid symptoms can range from mild discomfort to significant pain. Common signs include:

• Itching or irritation in the anal area
• Bright red blood on toilet tissue, stool, or in the toilet bowl
• Pain or discomfort, especially during bowel movements
• Sensitive or painful lump(s) on or near the anus

How are hemorrhoids treated?

In many cases, hemorrhoid symptoms will go away within a few days. To relieve symptoms, doctors recommend:

1. Sitting in a lukewarm bath
2. Alternating moist heat with ice
3. Limiting extended periods of sitting
4. Using over-the-counter topical creams and suppositories
5. Using scent- and dye-free toilet paper
6. Keeping the anal area clean

Colon Cancer: Understanding the Risks and Symptoms

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a malignant tumor arising from the inner wall of the large intestine. Unlike hemorrhoids, colon cancer is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

What are the risk factors for colon cancer?

Several factors can increase your risk of developing colon cancer:

• Family history of colon polyps or colorectal cancer
• Long-standing inflammation of the large intestine
• Age (risk increases after 45)
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Diet high in red and processed meats
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Heavy alcohol consumption

Common symptoms of colon cancer

Colon cancer symptoms can be subtle and easily overlooked. They may include:

• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
• Dark-colored stool
• Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool)
• Persistent feeling of needing to have a bowel movement
• Cramping or abdominal pain
• Weakness and fatigue
• Unintended weight loss

It’s important to note that in early stages, colon cancer may not present any symptoms at all.

Differentiating Between Hemorrhoids and Colon Cancer

While hemorrhoids and colon cancer can share some similar symptoms, there are key differences that can help distinguish between the two conditions.

How does the bleeding differ?

Hemorrhoid bleeding is typically bright red and occurs during or immediately after a bowel movement. Colon cancer bleeding tends to be darker in color and may be present in the stool itself.

Are there differences in pain and discomfort?

Hemorrhoids often cause localized pain or discomfort in the anal area, especially during bowel movements. Colon cancer pain is usually more generalized and can include abdominal cramping or persistent discomfort.

What about changes in bowel habits?

While hemorrhoids can cause temporary changes in bowel habits, colon cancer often results in more persistent alterations, such as ongoing constipation, diarrhea, or changes in stool consistency.

The Importance of Screening and Early Detection

Regular screening is crucial for detecting colon cancer in its early stages when it’s most treatable. The American Cancer Society recommends starting regular screenings at age 45 for individuals at average risk.

What screening methods are available?

Common screening methods for colon cancer include:

• Colonoscopy
• Sigmoidoscopy
• Stool-based tests (FIT, gFOBT, FIT-DNA)
• CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy)

How often should screenings be performed?

The frequency of screenings depends on the individual’s risk factors and the type of test used. For example, a colonoscopy is typically recommended every 10 years for average-risk individuals, while stool-based tests may be done annually.

Treatment Options for Colon Cancer

If colon cancer is diagnosed, treatment options will depend on the stage of the cancer and may include:

• Surgery to remove the tumor and affected lymph nodes
• Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells or stop their growth
• Radiation therapy to target and destroy cancer cells
• Targeted therapies that focus on specific abnormalities within cancer cells
• Immunotherapy to boost the body’s natural defenses against cancer

What factors influence treatment decisions?

Treatment plans are tailored to each individual based on factors such as:

• The stage and location of the cancer
• The patient’s overall health and age
• Potential side effects of treatment
• The patient’s preferences and goals

When to Seek Medical Attention

While hemorrhoids are often not serious, it’s important to know when to consult a healthcare professional.

When should you see a doctor for rectal bleeding?

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Persistent or recurrent rectal bleeding
• Blood mixed with your stool (not just on the surface)
• Dark or tarry stools
• Bleeding accompanied by changes in bowel habits or abdominal pain
• Bleeding that occurs without any obvious reason

What if hemorrhoid symptoms persist?

If hemorrhoid symptoms don’t improve with home treatments or over-the-counter medications within a week, consult your healthcare provider. They may recommend additional treatments or further evaluation to rule out other conditions.

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Hemorrhoids and Reduce Colon Cancer Risk

Adopting healthy habits can help prevent hemorrhoids and reduce your risk of developing colon cancer.

How can you prevent hemorrhoids?

To reduce your risk of developing hemorrhoids:

• Eat a high-fiber diet to promote regular bowel movements
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Exercise regularly to improve circulation
• Avoid straining during bowel movements
• Don’t sit on the toilet for extended periods
• Maintain a healthy weight

What lifestyle changes can help reduce colon cancer risk?

To lower your risk of colon cancer:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly
• Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Limit consumption of red and processed meats
• Quit smoking
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Get regular screenings as recommended by your healthcare provider

By understanding the differences between hemorrhoids and colon cancer, recognizing when to seek medical attention, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits, you can take proactive steps to protect your colorectal health. Remember, early detection and treatment are key to managing both conditions effectively.

Is It Hemorrhoids or Colon Cancer?

Although hemorrhoids and colon cancer are two very different conditions, they can share similar symptoms. This guide will help you learn about the different signs.

Noticing blood in your stool for the first time is understandably alarming. The good news is that it’s likely that blood in your stool is an indication of hemorrhoids, which while not much fun, aren’t generally a serious medical condition.

Hemorrhoids are actually swollen veins located in the anus and rectum area, and they’re quite common: Approximately half of all adults experience hemorrhoids by the age of 50. They can be internal (inside the rectum or anus) or external (on, or protruding from, the rectum or anus), and symptoms can range from no or mild discomfort to significant pain, itchiness and bleeding.

While the exact cause of hemorrhoids is unknown, they’re most likely to occur when there’s an increase in pressure in the area, such as when you strain to have a bowel movement, for example. They’re more likely to occur during pregnancy, aging, sitting for long periods of time, chronic constipation or diarrhea, straining or lifting heavy objects.

Hemorrhoids usually aren’t dangerous, and in many cases, the symptoms will go away within a few days.

Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids:

• Itching or irritation in the anal area
• Bright red blood on toilet tissue, stool or in the toilet bowl
• Pain or discomfort, especially during bowel movements
• A sensitive or painful lump(s) on or near your anus

To relieve symptoms, doctors recommend sitting in a lukewarm bath, alternating moist heat with ice and limiting extended periods of time spent sitting. There are also over-the-counter topical creams and suppositories to battle the symptoms. Patients are also advised to use scent- and dye-free toilet paper and to keep the area clean.

Colon cancer (also known as colorectal cancer) is a malignant tumor, arising from the inner wall of the large intestine. Signs and symptoms of colon cancer are often not specific, which means they may be mistaken for a number of different conditions. When colon cancer is detected in its early stages, there may be no symptoms present at all.

The usual symptoms and signs of colon cancer are:

• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
• Dark-colored stool
• A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation or narrowing of the stool that lasts for more than a few days
• A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that is not relieved by having one
• Cramping or abdominal (belly) pain
• Weakness and fatigue
• Unintended weight loss

In most cases, people who have these symptoms do not have cancer. Still, if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor, so the cause can be found and treated.

To check for colon cancer, physicians use sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy to look for growths (polyps) in the colon. If a growth is found, the physician will take a biopsy to determine whether the growth is cancerous. If you are diagnosed with colon cancer, treatment depends on how early it is found, but it may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and targeted therapies. Risk factors for colorectal cancer include a family history of colon polyps (small clump of cells that form on the lining of the colon) and long-standing inflammation of the large intestine.

Because the symptoms are often subtle and easily overlooked, colon cancer screening is very important. In fact, the American Cancer Society recommends starting regular screenings at age 45.

Topics

bleeding

colon cancer

colonoscopy

hemorrhoids

itching

pain

polyps

screenings

Ramin Zahed

Ramin Zahed is a Los Angeles-based author and journalist.

How Can I Tell if It’s Colon Cancer or Hemorrhoids?

All News

10.26.2015

• Colon Cancer

With the help of Web MD, it is a temptation to research every ailment and self-diagnose. Health websites can be a helpful resource, but they can also encourage us to jump to conclusions. Two conditions that can often be mistaken for one another are colorectal cancer and hemorrhoids. Both conditions are common among Americans. One in every 20 Americans (5 percent) will develop colon cancer in his or her lifetime, and about 4.4 percent of Americans are affected by hemorrhoids (Source: Live Science).

Even though colorectal cancer and hemorrhoids may have some similar symptoms such as blood in the stool, their treatments are quite different. Here are a few characteristics of each condition.

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor in the colon or the rectum. Most cases of colorectal cancer begin as small clusters of benign cells called polyps, but they can develop into cancer if they are not removed during a colonoscopy. Symptoms of colorectal cancer may include:

• Stools that are not round in shape but are thinner and pencil-like.
• Anal tenesmus, or the feeling of constantly needing to pass stool.
• Changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea and constipation.
• Weight loss and fatigue.
• Abdominal pain, cramping, and possible nausea and vomiting.

Colorectal cancers are most often diagnosed in individuals over the age of 50 (although young onset colon cancer incidence is increasing). Family history and syndromes like familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer can also contribute to colorectal cancer risk.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the anal and rectal wall. When the vessels and surrounding tissues become inflamed, they often enlarge and protrude. Hemorrhoids can be either internal or external, but both types may produce bleeding. If left untreated, hemorrhoids could cause anemia, infection, anal spasm, increased pain, ulceration, abdominal pain, and discomfort when sitting down or lying down. External hemorrhoids may prolapse and cause increased irritation and itching.

 Hemorrhoids are generally caused by specific conditions or activities. Several circumstances or habits may cause hemorrhoids such as:

• Pregnancy
• Stress
• Sedentary work and lack of exercise
• Constipation and straining
• Lifting heavy objects
• Spicy food

Because colorectal cancer and hemorrhoids are common among Americans and they have similar symptoms in early stages, they can be mistaken for one another or misdiagnosed. If you experience any rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, call your doctor to schedule an appointment. Early detection means early treatment. For hemorrhoids, this means early relief and better health. For colorectal cancer, it could mean saving your life (Source: Vitality).

Pain and spasms in the anus

1. Home
2. org/ListItem”> Symptoms and diseases
3. Pain and spasms in the anus

Pain and spasms in the anus are one of the most common symptoms that indicate a malfunction e in the work of the intestinal tract, namely about the problem in the anus and colon. The pain can be of different nature:

• The pain is sudden, local, intense, burning and directly related to defecation – then most likely it is an acute anal fissure.
• Constant pain in the anal passage most often indicates thrombosis of hemorrhoids, acute paraproctitis or rectal fistula.
• Pressing pain, sometimes associated with defecation, usually accompanies colitis, proctitis.
• Dull, burning pain accompanying defecation can be caused by incomplete fistula of the rectum, cryptitis, papillitis.
• Discomfort in the rectum and anus, itching, burning, stabbing pain, often combined with bleeding – such complaints are characteristic of hemorrhoids.

In any case, you should not make a diagnosis yourself. Pain in the anus is already a signal for you that you need immediate consultation with a doctor – proctologist.

The most important thing is to identify the CAUSE of the pain!

A proctologist treats diseases that cause pain in the anus. The clinic employs male and female proctologists. Our doctors are proctologists.

Make an appointment with a proctologist

I agree to the processing of personal data on the following terms

* Mandatory field

• Diseases
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Causes

Do you feel pain in your anus?

This may be an alarming symptom of the following diseases:

• Hemorrhoids.
• Thrombosis of hemorrhoids.
• Anal fissures. Regular heavy discharge may indicate the presence of this disease.
• Anal polyps. There is also mucus or pus

It is necessary to start treatment, because the consequences can be unpredictable!

Diagnosis of any disease, proctological – is no exception, it is, first of all, an examination by a doctor. Based on what the doctor reveals during the examination, a diagnosis will be made and treatment will be prescribed. An examination by a proctologist at “Alan Clinic” gives a complete picture of your problem, since it is based on two pillars – the doctor’s experience and modern diagnostic equipment.

Comprehensive diagnostics in the Department of Proctology “Alan Clinic” includes:

• Digital rectal examination
• Hardware diagnostics
  • Videoanoscopy
  • Videorectoromanoscopy
• Doctor’s consultation with diagnosis.

Treatment of pain in the anus

Treatment is prescribed by a proctologist and carried out on the territory of the clinic, under the full control of the attending physician. Without surgery and hospitalization!

Our methods:

• Desarterization of hemorrhoids
• Proxon
• Latex ligation
• Infrared photocoagulation (INFRARED device) 9000 4
• Radio wave method of treatment (SURGITRON device)
• Sclerotherapy
• Drug treatment
• Physiotherapy

As a rule, pain in the anus appears as a result of several factors or a combination of causes.

Main reasons:

• Sedentary lifestyle. There is congestion in the pelvic area, blood supply to the anus is disturbed and usually this is mainly due to the fact that people lead a sedentary lifestyle, have a sedentary job or just sit on the toilet for a long time
• Injuries of the anus . arising from constipation or the practice of anal sex
• Hemorrhoids , in which hemorrhoids affect the walls of the anus, weakening them, which leads to trauma to the anus during diffication
• Interruptions in the work of the intestines (constipation, diarrhea)
• Circulatory disorders (thrombosis) , stagnation in the blood with hemorrhoids also leads to anal fissures
• Hereditary predisposition
• Against the background of any pathologies of the nervous system a prolonged spasm of the sphincter can occur, which leads to a violation of the innervation of the rectum

Make an appointment!

• 1 ​​
  

  Profitable

  Treatment without surgery and hospitalization

  Trusted by more than

  240,000

  patients

IME CONTRAINDICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE, SPECIALIST CONSULTATION IS NECESSARY

diagnosis and treatment

Hemorrhoids

Pancreatitis

Gastritis

Diarrhea

84459

July 19

Pain in the anus: causes of occurrence, in which diseases it occurs, diagnosis and methods of treatment.

Definition

Pain that occurs in the anus (anus) is accompanied by significant discomfort, and its intensity is due to the presence of a significant number of nerve endings here.

Types of pain in the anus

Pain in the anus can be characterized as dull and aching, burning, sharp, piercing, spasmodic, radiating to the lower abdomen, coccyx and perineum. Often, a doctor can make a preliminary diagnosis based on the nature of the pain.

Pain may be disturbing when walking, sitting for a long time, at the time of defecation and immediately after it.

Possible causes of pain in the anus

The main causes of pain in the anus are diseases of the rectum. An assessment of their prevalence brings hemorrhoids to the first place. The initial symptoms of hemorrhoids are a feeling of incomplete emptying after defecation, discomfort and itching in the anus.

Pain with hemorrhoids appears only with a complication of the disease – prolapse and thrombosis of the hemorrhoid.

The development of hemorrhoids is caused by hereditary factors, as well as an unhealthy lifestyle, poor nutrition, and certain diseases, such as cirrhosis of the liver. Prolonged sitting, hot baths, heavy lifting, tight clothing – all these factors lead to venous congestion in the pelvic area and the formation of hemorrhoids. If at the same time the feces have a dense consistency due to a lack of fluid and plant fibers in food, then the act of defecation is accompanied by prolonged straining, which, in turn, contributes to the prolapse of nodes into the lumen of the rectum.

Hemorrhoids can occur with the abuse of laxatives and cleansing enemas.

Protrusion or prolapse of hemorrhoids, their infringement is accompanied by a feeling of pulling pain, fullness, itching. Symptoms are worse after spicy food, heavy physical labor, heavy lifting. Rupture of blood vessels leads to persistent bleeding, while clots of scarlet blood are clearly visible on the feces. A long-term disease leads to pain in the anus with any physical activity, being in an upright position or walking.

Among the diseases that cause pain in the anus, the second place is occupied by sphincteritis – inflammation of the mucous membrane of the circular obturator muscle. Sphincteritis most often develops against the background of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: pancreatitis, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, chronic gastritis and duodenitis, irritable bowel syndrome. Constipation or diarrhea that accompanies these diseases increases the risk of developing inflammatory processes in the rectum. In the initial stage of the disease, patients complain of pain in the anus, burning and itching, which are aggravated by defecation. Then there are false urges to defecate and purulent discharge from the anus, so foaming mucus or pus is found on the feces. Sometimes pain can radiate to the perineum and neighboring organs.

The third place in the prevalence of diseases of the rectum, which give severe and persistent pain in the anus, is occupied by rectal fissures . This pathology is characterized by pain during and after defecation, and a small amount of blood may be released.

Cracks can be caused by congestion in the vascular network, a violation of neuromuscular regulation, and injuries. The latter are most often caused by damage to the intestinal mucosa with solid feces.

Often, cracks are combined with hemorrhoids, which is accompanied by prolapse of nodes and more profuse bleeding. The combination of these conditions leads to the formation of a vicious circle: pain during bowel movements causes spasm of the anal sphincter muscles, and spasm increases pain. Minor bleeding due to anal fissure occurs during or after a bowel movement. In the absence of timely treatment, the disease becomes chronic and is accompanied by inflammation of the surrounding tissues. Sometimes a crack leads to a fistula (fistula) – a pathological passage between the rectum and the surface of the skin near the anus.

paraproctitis also leads to the formation of a fistula of the rectum . This is an acute inflammation of the tissues surrounding the rectum.

Paraproctitis is evidenced by increased pain, swelling in the anus, an increase in body temperature to 38 ° C and above.

The fistula may not close for several months, and then recur.

Malignant tumors that form in the anal region are characterized by pronounced symptoms: red blood in the stool, mucus admixture, pain in the anus (first during defecation, and then throughout the day), radiating to the genitals, thigh, bottom belly. Clinical symptoms of hemorrhoids and malignant tumors are similar to each other.

Pain in the anus is not necessarily associated with diseases of the rectum. It can be caused by pathologies of adjacent organs and tissues, in particular, epithelial coccygeal passage , which manifests itself as pain in the sacrum only in case of inflammation. This formation is formed during the period of embryonic development and is a narrow channel lined with epithelium, inside of which there are hair follicles and sebaceous glands.

Another cause of pain in the anus – coccygodynia – inflammation in the coccyx.

Most often, coccygodynia is caused by trauma to the coccyx as a result of a blow or fall.

In a significant proportion of cases, coccygodynia is a spasm of the deep muscles of the pelvic floor as a result of irritation of pain receptors in surrounding tissues during radiculopathy, difficult childbirth, and inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs. Pain in the anus appears at a certain position of the body, during inclinations or the act of defecation.

Pain in the anus is also characteristic of prostatitis . In acute prostatitis, in addition to acute pain in the perineum, groin and in the anus, an increase in body temperature, painful urination and defecation are possible. However, more often prostatitis develops gradually, acquiring a chronic form. In this case, the patient is concerned about the same symptoms, but their severity is significantly reduced.

Diagnostics and examinations for pain in the anus

Diagnostics begins with a thorough questioning of the patient, during which the doctor specifies the intensity, duration and nature of the pain syndrome, previous and concomitant diseases. In addition, without fail, the doctor gives directions for clinical and biochemical blood tests, a general urine test.

Clinical blood test: general analysis, leukoformula, ESR (with microscopy of a blood smear in the presence of pathological changes)

Synonyms: Complete blood count, UAC. Full blood count, FBC, Complete blood count (CBC) with differential white blood cell count (CBC with diff), Hemogram.
Brief description of the study CBC: general a…

Up to 1 business day

Available with house call

RUB 810

Add to cart

General urinalysis (Urine analysis with sediment microscopy)

Method of determination

Determination of physical and chemical parameters is carried out on an automatic analyzer using the “dry chemistry” method.

Hardware microscope. ..

Up to 1 business day

Available with house call

410 RUB

Add to cart

If anal pain is suspected, the doctor will perform a digital examination of the rectum. In the presence of a chronic crack, not only its localization is determined, but also the type of edges. With a digital examination, you can notice a fistula with a purulent discharge and determine the spastic contraction of the sphincter. In the presence of hemorrhoids, sigmoidoscopy is necessary.

If a digital examination reveals tenderness of the inner surface of the coccyx and its mobility, the doctor may prescribe an x-ray, which can detect subluxation of the coccyx, especially when dynamically examined in a sitting and lying position.

Radiography of the lumbar and sacral spine

X-ray examination to assess the condition and structural integrity of the vertebrae of the lumbosacral-coccygeal spine.

RUB 2,440

Sign up

If pelvic pain is suspected, an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and small pelvis is prescribed, and for men, an ultrasound of the prostate.

US examination of pelvic organs (uterus, adnexa)

Ultrasound scanning of the organs of the female reproductive system to assess the shape and size, as well as exclude pathology.

RUB 2,590

Sign up

Ultrasound of the prostate

Ultrasound scan of the prostate, giving an idea of ​​the condition of the prostate and the presence of pathology.

RUB 2,190

Sign up

Which doctors to contact for pain in the anus

If you experience pain in the anus, you should contact a proctologist or gastroenterologist. Women should be examined by a gynecologist. If a neurological nature of the pain is suspected, a consultation with a neurologist is required, and if the oncological nature of the pain is suspected, an oncologist or an oncourologist is involved in the treatment.

What to do in case of pain in the anus

The basis of any diseases of the gastrointestinal tract is an unhealthy lifestyle and diet, therefore, when pain occurs in the anus, it is necessary first of all to correct the diet and drinking regimen. The next step is to reduce congestion in the veins by increasing physical activity, therapeutic exercises. When standing, it is advisable to use compression stockings and do gymnastics for the legs.

Treatment of pain in the anus

There are so many causes of pain in the anus that there is no one and the same way to treat all its varieties. Symptomatic treatment, that is, taking analgesics, can reduce the severity of pain, but does not eliminate its cause. Etiotropic therapy is selected individually and only after an accurate diagnosis has been made. It may include antibiotics, venotonics, hemostatic agents, antiplatelet drugs, etc.

Sources:

1. Kadyrov Z.A., Kryachko A.A., Aliev Z.O., Faniev M.V., Ishonakov Kh.S. Chronic inflammatory diseases of the rectum and prostate gland (literature review). Andrology and genital surgery, journal. T. 17, 2016. S. 12-19.
2. Clinical guidelines “Anal fissure”. Developed by: Association of Coloproctologists of Russia. – 2021.
3. Clinical guidelines “Polyp of the anal canal”. Developed by: Association of Coloproctologists of Russia. – 2020.
4. Clinical guidelines “Hemorrhoid”. Developed by: Association of Coloproctologists of Russia. – 2020.

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests.