What are hemorrhoids and how do they develop. What are the common symptoms of hemorrhoids. How can hemorrhoids be diagnosed and treated effectively. What lifestyle changes can help prevent hemorrhoids. When should you see a doctor about hemorrhoids. How are hemorrhoids different from other rectal conditions. What are the best home remedies for hemorrhoid relief.

Understanding Hemorrhoids: Types and Causes

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus, often compared to varicose veins. They’re incredibly common, affecting nearly three out of four adults at some point in their lives. There are two main types of hemorrhoids:

• Internal hemorrhoids: These develop inside the rectum and are usually not visible.
• External hemorrhoids: These form under the skin around the anus and can be seen and felt.

The exact cause of hemorrhoids isn’t always clear, but several factors can contribute to their development:

• Straining during bowel movements
• Sitting for long periods on the toilet
• Chronic constipation or diarrhea
• Lack of fiber in the diet
• Pregnancy
• Aging
• Obesity

Recognizing Hemorrhoid Symptoms: When to Be Concerned

The symptoms of hemorrhoids can vary depending on their location and severity. External hemorrhoids often cause more noticeable symptoms, including:

• Irritation and itching around the anus
• Pain and discomfort
• Swelling around the anal area
• Bleeding during bowel movements
• Sensitive lumps near the anus

Internal hemorrhoids, on the other hand, may not cause obvious symptoms until they become enlarged or prolapse. Can internal hemorrhoids cause bleeding without pain? Yes, this is often one of the first signs of internal hemorrhoids. Bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement can indicate internal hemorrhoids.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While hemorrhoids are often not serious, certain symptoms warrant a visit to your healthcare provider:

• Persistent bleeding during bowel movements
• Severe pain or discomfort
• A lump or swelling that doesn’t improve with home treatment
• Rectal bleeding without pain (as this could indicate other conditions)

Diagnosing Hemorrhoids: Medical Procedures and Tests

Diagnosing hemorrhoids typically involves a physical examination and discussion of your symptoms. In some cases, additional tests may be necessary to rule out other conditions or assess the severity of the hemorrhoids.

Rectal Examination

A rectal examination is often the first step in diagnosing hemorrhoids. During this procedure, your doctor will visually inspect the anal area and may perform a digital rectal exam to feel for abnormalities.

Anoscopy and Sigmoidoscopy

These minimally invasive tests allow your doctor to examine the lower part of your rectum and anus. They don’t require sedation and can help identify internal hemorrhoids or other rectal issues.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a more comprehensive procedure that examines the entire colon. It’s typically recommended if there’s concern about other conditions, such as colorectal cancer. How does a colonoscopy distinguish hemorrhoids from colon cancer? During a colonoscopy, a doctor can visually identify hemorrhoids as swollen veins, which appear distinctly different from cancerous growths or polyps. The procedure also allows for the removal of any suspicious tissue for further testing.

Treatment Options for Hemorrhoids: From Home Remedies to Medical Interventions

The treatment for hemorrhoids depends on their severity and your symptoms. Many cases can be managed with simple home remedies and lifestyle changes, while more severe cases may require medical intervention.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes

For mild to moderate hemorrhoids, the following measures can provide relief:

• Sitz baths: Sitting in a few inches of warm water for 10-15 minutes several times a day can soothe irritation and reduce swelling.
• Ice packs: Applying cold compresses can help numb the area and reduce inflammation.
• Over-the-counter creams and suppositories: These can help relieve pain and itching.
• Increasing fiber intake: A high-fiber diet can soften stools and reduce straining during bowel movements.
• Staying hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps prevent constipation.
• Regular exercise: Physical activity can improve bowel function and reduce the risk of constipation.

Medical Treatments

For more severe or persistent hemorrhoids, medical treatments may be necessary:

• Rubber band ligation: A small elastic band is placed around the base of an internal hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply.
• Sclerotherapy: A chemical solution is injected into the hemorrhoid to shrink it.
• Infrared coagulation: This procedure uses infrared light to create scar tissue, cutting off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid.
• Hemorrhoidectomy: Surgical removal of severe hemorrhoids.
• Stapled hemorrhoidopexy: A procedure that uses a stapling device to reposition and secure hemorrhoidal tissue.

Preventing Hemorrhoids: Lifestyle Habits for Long-Term Health

While hemorrhoids can’t always be prevented, certain lifestyle habits can reduce your risk:

• Eat a high-fiber diet: Aim for 25-30 grams of fiber per day from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
• Stay hydrated: Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily to keep stools soft.
• Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.
• Don’t strain during bowel movements: Take your time and don’t force the process.
• Avoid sitting for long periods: If you have a sedentary job, take breaks to stand or walk around.
• Use the bathroom when you feel the urge: Delaying bowel movements can lead to harder stools and more straining.

Hemorrhoids vs. Other Rectal Conditions: Understanding the Differences

While hemorrhoids are a common cause of rectal symptoms, it’s important to understand that other conditions can present similarly. How can you differentiate hemorrhoids from other rectal conditions?

Anal Fissures

Anal fissures are small tears in the lining of the anus that can cause bleeding and pain during bowel movements. Unlike hemorrhoids, fissures often cause sharp pain during and after defecation.

Colorectal Cancer

While less common, rectal bleeding can be a sign of colorectal cancer. Unlike hemorrhoids, cancer may cause changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, and persistent abdominal pain.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can cause rectal bleeding, along with other symptoms like chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.

Given the potential overlap in symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis if you experience persistent rectal bleeding or discomfort.

The Impact of Diet on Hemorrhoid Management

Diet plays a crucial role in both the prevention and management of hemorrhoids. What dietary changes can help alleviate hemorrhoid symptoms?

Increasing Fiber Intake

A high-fiber diet is one of the most effective ways to manage hemorrhoids. Fiber helps soften stools and increase their bulk, making them easier to pass and reducing the need for straining. Good sources of fiber include:

• Whole grains (oats, brown rice, whole wheat bread)
• Fruits (apples, pears, berries)
• Vegetables (broccoli, carrots, spinach)
• Legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas)
• Nuts and seeds

If you’re not used to a high-fiber diet, increase your intake gradually to avoid bloating and gas. Aim for 25-30 grams of fiber per day.

Staying Hydrated

Adequate hydration is essential for maintaining soft stools and preventing constipation. How much water should you drink to help with hemorrhoids? While individual needs vary, a general guideline is to drink at least 8 glasses (64 ounces) of water per day. You may need more if you’re active or live in a hot climate.

Foods to Avoid

Certain foods may exacerbate hemorrhoid symptoms and should be limited or avoided:

• Spicy foods: These can irritate the digestive system and worsen hemorrhoid discomfort.
• Processed foods: Often low in fiber and high in salt, these can contribute to constipation.
• Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration and harder stools.
• Caffeine: While not harmful in moderation, excessive caffeine intake can contribute to dehydration.

Exercise and Hemorrhoids: Finding the Right Balance

Regular physical activity is beneficial for overall health and can help prevent and manage hemorrhoids. However, certain types of exercise may exacerbate symptoms. How can you incorporate exercise into your routine without worsening hemorrhoids?

Beneficial Exercises

Low-impact activities that promote good circulation and bowel function are ideal for those with hemorrhoids:

• Walking
• Swimming
• Yoga
• Cycling (on a padded seat)
• Light strength training

Exercises to Avoid

Some activities may increase pressure on the rectal area or exacerbate symptoms:

• Heavy weightlifting
• Horseback riding
• Intense cycling
• Sit-ups or crunches

If you experience discomfort during any exercise, stop immediately and consult your healthcare provider.

Kegel Exercises

Kegel exercises, which strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, may help improve muscle tone in the rectal area and reduce hemorrhoid symptoms. To perform Kegels, contract the muscles you would use to stop urination, hold for a few seconds, then release. Repeat this process several times a day.

Pregnancy and Hemorrhoids: Managing Symptoms Safely

Hemorrhoids are a common complaint during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester. The increased pressure from the growing uterus, along with hormonal changes and constipation, can contribute to their development. How can pregnant women manage hemorrhoids safely?

Safe Treatment Options

Many of the same home remedies and lifestyle changes recommended for non-pregnant individuals are safe during pregnancy:

• Sitz baths
• Ice packs
• High-fiber diet
• Staying hydrated
• Regular, gentle exercise (with approval from your healthcare provider)

Some over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams may be safe during pregnancy, but always consult your healthcare provider before using any medication.

Preventing Constipation

Constipation is a common issue during pregnancy and can worsen hemorrhoids. To prevent constipation:

• Eat plenty of fiber-rich foods
• Stay hydrated
• Exercise regularly (as approved by your healthcare provider)
• Don’t ignore the urge to have a bowel movement

Postpartum Care

Hemorrhoids may worsen after delivery due to the strain of pushing during labor. Continue with home remedies and consult your healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen.

When Surgery Becomes Necessary: Understanding Hemorrhoidectomy

While most hemorrhoids can be managed with conservative treatments, severe or persistent cases may require surgical intervention. When is hemorrhoid surgery necessary, and what does it involve?

Indications for Surgery

Hemorrhoidectomy may be recommended in the following situations:

• Large external hemorrhoids
• Internal hemorrhoids that have prolapsed (protruded outside the anus)
• Hemorrhoids that don’t respond to other treatments
• Significant bleeding that can’t be controlled with other methods
• Hemorrhoids causing severe pain or discomfort

Types of Hemorrhoid Surgery

There are several surgical approaches to treating hemorrhoids:

• Traditional hemorrhoidectomy: The hemorrhoid is surgically removed under anesthesia.
• Stapled hemorrhoidopexy: A circular stapling device is used to remove a ring of tissue above the hemorrhoid, pulling the hemorrhoid back into its normal position.
• Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation: This minimally invasive procedure uses ultrasound to locate and tie off the arteries supplying blood to the hemorrhoid.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery from hemorrhoid surgery typically takes 2-3 weeks. During this time, patients may experience pain, bleeding, and difficulty with bowel movements. Following post-operative instructions carefully, including proper wound care and dietary recommendations, is crucial for a smooth recovery.

The Psychological Impact of Hemorrhoids: Addressing Mental Health

While hemorrhoids are a physical condition, they can have significant psychological effects. How do hemorrhoids impact mental health, and what can be done to address these issues?

Common Psychological Effects

Individuals with hemorrhoids may experience:

• Embarrassment or shame
• Anxiety about symptoms worsening or recurring
• Depression due to chronic pain or discomfort
• Social isolation to avoid discomfort or embarrassment
• Stress about potential complications

Coping Strategies

To address the psychological impact of hemorrhoids:

• Educate yourself about the condition to reduce fear and uncertainty
• Talk to your healthcare provider openly about your concerns
• Consider joining a support group or online forum for individuals with similar experiences
• Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or deep breathing
• Seek professional mental health support if needed

Remember, hemorrhoids are a common condition, and there’s no need to feel ashamed or embarrassed. With proper treatment and support, both the physical and psychological aspects of hemorrhoids can be effectively managed.

Hemorrhoids and What To Do About Them

Hemorrhoids are sometimes described as varicose veins in the lower rectum or anus. They’re very common, and almost three out of four adults will have them at some point during their lives. Hemorrhoids can be internal or external. Internal hemorrhoids are swollen veins that develop inside the rectum. External hemorrhoids are swollen veins under the skin around the anus.

You can experience differing symptoms depending on the location of your hemorrhoids. Signs and symptoms of external hemorrhoids can include:

• Irritation and itching in and around your anus

• Pain and discomfort

• Swelling around your anus

• Bleeding

• Sensitive lumps in your anal area

Unlike external hemorrhoids, internal hemorrhoids usually can’t be seen, and often don’t cause obvious symptoms until or unless you’re having a bowel movement.

Why do I have blood on the toilet paper after wiping?

If you’ve noticed bright red blood in the toilet or on toilet paper after a bowel movement, it may be from an internal hemorrhoid. Hemorrhoids can cause bright red blood during bowel movements. Blood on toilet paper may also result from an anal fissure, a small tear in the lining of your anus.

Why am I experiencing rectal bleeding without pain?

Bleeding in your lower gastrointestinal tract, including the lower colon and rectum, can occur without pain. Hemorrhoids are the most common cause of painless rectal bleeding, but don’t presume this to be THE diagnosis. You should speak with your doctor if you have painful, itching hemorrhoids or rectal bleeding without pain. Rectal bleeding can have other causes, including anal cancer and colorectal cancer.

Can a colonoscopy distinguish hemorrhoids from colon cancer?

A colonoscopy uses an endoscope, a flexible tube that guides a fiber optic camera through your colon. A colonoscopy can quickly discover any internal hemorrhoids and other problems including colon cancer. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins, and doctors can immediately distinguish between them, anal fissures, colon polyps, or colon cancer.

Colon polyps are growths in the lining of your colon that can be an indication you could be at risk from colon cancer. They can be quickly and easily removed during a colonoscopy.

A colonoscopy is one of several tests that can uncover the reason you’ve experienced rectal bleeding. The first, simplest test is a rectal examination. You can’t see the inside of your rectum easily, but a clinician can.

Other tests include an anoscopy and a sigmoidoscopy. These are minimally invasive tests that don’t require you to be sedated. A colonoscopy is a more extensive procedure and requires sedation.

If you do need a colonoscopy, your Digestive Health Associates of Texas can perform one. It’s a simple procedure which lasts about two hours. The test can remove polyps and other potentially abnormal tissue that the colonoscopy scope sees during the procedure.

What should I do if I have hemorrhoids?

If you experience any rectal bleeding, you should contact your doctor. If you know you’ve had hemorrhoids before and experience itching and swelling in your anal area, your hemorrhoids may be acting up. There are health risks associated with hemorrhoids, as common as they are. Internal hemorrhoids can prolapse or protrude from your anus. Blood can also pool in a hemorrhoid and thrombose — the medical term for a blood clot.

Are there things I can do to help my hemorrhoids?

One of the best things you can do if you have hemorrhoids is improve your bowel habits. Don’t avoid going to the bathroom: use it when you need it. Hemorrhoids can result from sitting on the toilet for long periods, so it’s wise to avoid reading while in the bathroom. Sit only as long as you need to, and wipe gently with unscented toilet paper or cleansing wipes. While scent in toilet paper and wipes can cover unpleasant bathroom odors, fragrance can irritate your skin: the last thing you need if you have hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids are associated with constipation, which is the reason why clinicians tell people to get more fiber in their diet. High-fiber foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole-grain breads, and wheat bran. Drinking enough water is also important to help prevent constipation.

Getting enough exercise is also important to improve or prevent constipation. Getting at least half an hour a day of moderate exercise could help you to improve or prevent hemorrhoids.

For a hemorrhoid flare-up, you can also take a sitz bath, which means sitting in a few inches of warm, not hot, bath water. Soaking for ten minutes can relieve itching and burning that accompanies hemorrhoids. A well-insulated ice pack can also reduce swelling and pain. Always make sure you have a cloth barrier between the ice pack and your skin to prevent skin damage.

You can locate over-the-counter topical treatment creams that can reduce itching and swelling. Other treatments are also available, including hydrocortisone suppositories. Mild astringents like witch hazel can also relieve hemorrhoid burning and itching. You can reduce short-term pain with oral pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Hemorrhoids can be treated, and DHAT can help

A colonoscopy may not be essential to diagnose hemorrhoids, but it can determine if you have hemorrhoids, colon polyps, colon cancer, or other problems in your lower digestive tract. Colonoscopies are simple procedures. According to iData Research, approximately 19 million colonoscopies are performed in the U.S. every year.

Colonoscopies are non-invasive, safe medical procedures. They can help to determine the health of your lower digestive tract. DHAT is experienced in performing colonoscopies. They can schedule a colonoscopy for you and are glad to explain how you can prepare for the procedure, how it will be conducted, and the results you can expect to obtain.

You may not need any surgery for hemorrhoids, but it you do, DHAT can also perform procedures that can reduce the pain and discomfort of hemorrhoids and help you return to a pain and itch-free life. Bowel movements aren’t the most pleasant topic, but they’re a part of life for everyone. Don’t let hemorrhoids interfere with your comfort, your career, or an active, healthy lifestyle.

About half of people over age 50 experience problems with hemorrhoids. You may not have known, but everyone has hemorrhoids; which are technically areas of blood vessels which form a cushion in our anal canals. However, we only become aware of these blood vessels if they cause problems by becoming swollen, irritated, or bleeding. If you see blood in your bowel movement or on toilet tissue, contact your doctor. Hemorrhoids are easily treated, and a colonoscopy can also help to protect you from other conditions in addition to hemorrhoids.

If you do need a colonoscopy, your DHAT doctor can schedule and perform one for you. It’s a relatively simple, out-patient procedure that in most cases will take only a couple hours of your day. And during the procedure, your doctor can remove any polyps or other potentially abnormal tissue for further testing. To meet with a DHAT physician near you, make an appointment online, or call 1. 800.818.8541.

Sources

https://fascrs.org/patients/diseases-and-conditions/a-z/hemorrhoids

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20360280

https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/digestive-health/when-to-see-a-doctor-for-blood-in-stool

An Astounding 16.6 Million Colonoscopies are Performed Annually in The United States

https://www.livescience.com/40316-americans-interest-hemorrhoids.html

Hemorrhoids and colorectal polyps. Early detection increases chances of being successfully cured.

Hemorrhoids are the most common cause of rectal bleeding, but colorectal cancer can also cause rectal bleeding. Due to the similarity of manifestations, patients are often confused, leading to delayed diagnosis and ineffective treatments. Therefore being aware of the specific warning signs and symptoms results in early detection and appropriate treatments.

Get to know “hemorrhoids”

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum. The veins around the anus tend to stretch under pressure, causing bulge or swelling. This condition can develop from increased pressure in the lower rectum. Hemorrhoids might develop in different locations at the same time. Classified by locations, there are 2 types of hemorrhoids:

1.) Internal hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids lie inside the rectum which located above the pectinate line and are covered with cells that are the same as those that line the rest of the intestines. Internal hemorrhoids cannot be typically seen or felt. Only using anoscopy, proctoscopy and sigmoidoscopy allows gastroenterologists to examine the inner lining of the rectum. Internal hemorrhoids can be stratified into 4 grades:

• Grade I: The internal hemorrhoid bulges into the canal but does not prolapse. These may cause rectal bleeding.
• Grade II: The hemorrhoid protrudes through the rectum with straining during a bowel movement. But it spontaneously returns to their original position once the straining has subsided after bowel movements.  
• Grade III: The hemorrhoid protrudes without any straining and requires the patient to push it inside manually.
• Grade IV: The hemorrhoid protrudes and cannot be pushed back, causing discomfort and rectal pain. 

2.) External hemorrhoids 

External hemorrhoids are hemorrhoids that affect veins outside the anus. External hemorrhoids arise below the pectinate line and are covered with cells that resemble skin which are typically slightly less pink than the surrounding skin. External bulges can be seen and touched around the anal area. Symptoms might include itching or irritation in the anal region, pain or discomfort, swelling around the anus and rectal bleeding.

Risk factors of hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can develop from increased pressure in the lower rectum due to:

• Straining during bowel movements
• Frequent bowel movements
• Sitting for long periods of time on the toilet
• Having chronic diarrhea or constipation
• Using laxative or rectal enema unnecessarily
• Advanced age that makes tissues supporting the veins in rectum and anus become weak and stretch
• Chronic cough 
• Being obese
• Regular heavy lifting
• Cirrhosis that results in bulging veins in the anus area
• Genetics with family history of hemorrhoids 
• Being pregnant when baby puts pressure on the anal region

​

Signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids VS. colorectal cancer

Hemorrhoids have certainly shared similar manifestations with colorectal cancer. If these warning signs and symptoms are exhibited, immediate medication attention must be sought in order to receive appropriate and timely treatments. These symptoms include:

Diagnosis of hemorrhoids.

For external hemorrhoid, it is usually seen by the specialists. Diagnosing internal hemorrhoids might include examination of the anal canal and rectum. Tests and procedures are digital examination by inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum and identifying abnormal signs, visual inspection to examine the lower portion of the colon and rectum with an anoscope, proctoscope or sigmoidoscope and other tests such as computerized tomography scan (CT) and endoanal – endorectal ultrasonography. If colorectal cancer is potentially suspected, colonoscopy, the endoscopic examination of the large bowel and rectum might be considered to verify a confirmatory diagnosis, leading to appropriate treatment plans.

​

Treatment of hemorrhoids

Selected treatment options entirely depend on presenting symptoms and disease severity as well as individual conditions of the patients. Treatment options include:

1) Non-surgical approach consists of 

• Rectal suppositories or ointments
• Injection (sclerotherapy). A chemical solution is injected into the hemorrhoid tissue in order to shrink it by damaging blood vessels and reducing the blood supply to the hemorrhoids. The interval for injection is very 2-4 weeks. 
• Rubber band ligation. During procedure, one or two tiny rubber bands are placed around the base of an internal hemorrhoid to cut off its circulation. The hemorrhoid withers and falls off within a week.
  
  Hemorrhoid banding can be uncomfortable and cause bleeding, therefore it should be performed by highly experienced specialists in order to reduce risks of serious complications. 

2) Surgical approach

If other procedures have not been successful or patients have large hemorrhoids that cannot be pushed in place, surgery is highly recommended. Types of surgery is determined by sizes and types of hemorrhoids as well as locations. Surgical options are:

• Open hemorrhoidectomy: An open hemorrhoidectomy is surgery to remove internal or external hemorrhoids that are extensive, large or severe.
• Stapled hemorrhoidectomy: Stapled hemorrhoidectomy is mostly used in patients with extensive hemorrhoids. During stapled hemorrhoidectomy, a circular stapling device is used to excise a circumferential ring of excess hemorrhoid tissue, thereby lifting hemorrhoids back to their normal position within the anal canal. Stapling also disrupts hemorrhoid blood supply. Studies have suggested that stapled hemorrhoidectomy results in less post-operative pain and shorter recovery compared with conventional surgery.
• Laser hemorrhoidectomy: Hemorrhoid laser procedure is a new laser procedure for treatment of hemorrhoids in which hemorrhoidal blood flow feeding the hemorrhoidal plexus is stopped by laser coagulation. It is recommended in hemorrhoids with mild stage while the size is still small. This procedure causes less pain, faster recovery time and fewer post-operative complications or side effects.

In case that colorectal cancer has been diagnosed instead of hemorrhoids, it can be treated by “minimally invasive colorectal surgery with sphincter saving technique”. It substantially helps to preserve sphincter muscles functions and regulate bowel movements as well as reduce chances of having permanent colostomy. If there is the presence of warning signs and symptoms, immediate medical care must be provided in order to get it accurately diagnosed, resulting in timely and effective treatments that eventually enhance quality of life.  

Polyps in hemorrhoids – causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment

Contents

1. Introduction
2. Causes of polyposis
3. Symptoms and diagnosis
4. Treatment of polyps

A polyp is a benign neoplasm that occurs on the mucous membrane in the rectum. Such tumors are characteristic of various organs and are a fairly common problem. Patients of both sexes are susceptible to them, but in men, polyps are diagnosed more often. If you look at the statistics by age, there is a noticeable increase in the number of cases in the age group after 45 years. Almost every 10th person of this age finds polyps during diagnosis. Quite often, this is not one neoplasm, but multiple at once. The key problem in diagnosing polyposis is that up to a certain point, the presence of a tumor does not manifest itself in any way. A large number of patients may notice characteristic symptoms, such as anal itching or discomfort during defecation. Polyposis pain usually occurs when damage to the polyp occurs. This entails dangerous consequences: the penetration of infection, the formation of anal fissures. In about 1% of cases, neoplasms become malignant and turn into cancer. That is why the condition of the rectum requires attention and careful diagnosis, especially in the adult population. In this case, doctors recommend removing the detected polyps.

Causes of polyposis

Today, there is no consensus among the scientific community as to why polyps appear in the rectum. It is generally accepted that one of the causes is chronic inflammation. More often than others, those people who suffer from other diseases of the rectum, such as hemorrhoids, are faced with this diagnosis. If stagnation occurs in the pelvic organs, blood circulation is disturbed, then this can become a provoking factor. There is a correlation between lifestyle and polyposis. In the risk group, those people who lead an inactive lifestyle, are predominantly engaged in sedentary work, abuse alcohol and tobacco. Affects the condition of the rectum and the preferred diet. The lack of dietary fiber in the daily diet, the passion for unhealthy food negatively affects – all this disrupts normal digestion and leads to constipation.

Symptoms and diagnosis

There are no typical symptoms that are unique to polyposis. In many ways, the symptomatic picture depends on how many polyps a person has, and what size they are. It also affects whether the process has turned into a malignant one. Most often, the presence of polyps is confirmed during the examination of the patient by a proctologist, which he initiates due to other proctological problems, such as hemorrhoids. The appearance of pain during defecation, problems with bowel movements, rectal bleeding makes people turn to a specialist. When the tumor grows in size, it can block the lumen of the rectum, which will interfere with the process of bowel cleansing. To establish a diagnosis, the doctor needs to collect an anamnesis, as well as conduct an examination. Diagnostic measures are reduced to assessing the condition of the patient’s anorectal zone, digital examination, anoscopy and sigmoidoscopy. Also, for the diagnosis of polyposis, a colonoscopy procedure is prescribed. This is an endoscopic intervention that allows not only to detect neoplasms, but also to remove them. Removed tumors are subjected to histology, which allows you to accurately determine whether they are malignant.

Treatment of polyps

The gold standard for treating polyps is to remove them. It is not possible to treat tumors conservatively. The doctor chooses the method of removal, focusing on the size of the polyps, localization and their number. For small items, endoscopy is ideal. If the unwanted element is close to the anus, then the procedure is carried out transanally.

It is important not only to remove polyps, but also to prevent the appearance of new tumors. Therefore, the patient after treatment is prescribed regular examinations and colonoscopy.

It is worth remembering that polyps, for all their seeming harmlessness, increase the risk of oncology. The more polyps and the larger their size, the more carefully you need to monitor your health. Rectal cancer in a large percentage of cases can be successfully stopped, but only when it is detected at an early stage.

In our multidisciplinary medical center, you can get advice from a qualified specialist on intestinal polyps and other proctological diseases.

FAQ

Having hemorrhoids is not normal at any age. Risk factors are the same for all people. These include: poor diet, constipation, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, alcohol, physical inactivity.

With the advent of computers and mobile phones, the activity of young people has decreased, respectively, the likelihood of getting hemorrhoids has increased!

Enlarged hemorrhoids do not decrease over time, but, on the contrary, increase. Medicines can slow down the process or get rid of the symptoms. But sooner or later the patient will have to go to the doctor. Therefore, it is better not to delay.

The procedure is necessary for most patients when diagnosing pathologies of the rectum. Many diseases can proceed secretly, for a long time without manifesting themselves. Thanks to rectoscopy, it became possible to diagnose them at an early stage.

Rectoscopy is painless. Severe pain during the procedure speaks of inflammatory processes, which is the basis for transferring the procedure.

The most common complications are bleeding and thrombosis of the hemorrhoid. A strong pain syndrome indicates a possible pinching of the node.

In addition, patients often complain of itching, a feeling of pressure in the rectal area, an anal fissure and fistula may appear.

Unfortunately not. Visual examination and anoscopy do not always provide enough data to make a diagnosis or detect pathology at an early stage. Outwardly, the problem may not manifest itself in any way, developing inside.

Some diseases occur without symptoms, and only with the help of a comprehensive examination, you can make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the correct therapy!

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Polyps in the rectum, symptoms, removal in ON CLINIC Ryazan

One of the most common diseases with which patients turn to a coloproctologist is rectal polyps, which can be single or multiple. Often they appear in those patients whose family members also experienced the occurrence of such neoplasms. Despite the fact that polyps are one of the types of benign tumors, over time they can turn into a malignant course and pose a direct threat to the patient’s life. That is why you should not treat this diagnosis as something harmless.

Timely identified polyps in the rectum, colon and sigmoid colon are quickly and painlessly removed by endoscopic method, after which they are sent for histological examination.

Types of polyps in the rectum

Depending on the tissue forming these growths on the inner surface of the intestine, the following types of polyps are distinguished:

• glandular;
• hairy;
• mixed;
• hyperplastic.

When different types of polyps are present in the same patient – it looks like multiple neoplasms on the rectal mucosa – then the patient is diagnosed with “polyposis”. It is dangerous because neoplasms can also spread to the mucous membranes of other parts of the gastrointestinal tract, and under adverse conditions, they can degenerate into a cancerous tumor.

The best way to protect yourself from the development of possible complications of the disease is a periodic examination by a coloproctologist (this is especially important for patients at risk), and the timely disposal of polyps.

Factors provoking the development of polyps

Experts identify several reasons that can act as a mechanism that triggers a chain reaction, which ultimately leads to the formation of polyps – including colon polyps:

• the presence of chronic inflammatory processes in the large intestine;
• systematic injury lining the intestine from the inside of the mucosa, for example, hard feces for constipation;
• intoxication of the body, accompanied by stool disorders;
• malnutrition and excessive consumption of strong drinks;
• genetic predisposition to the appearance of various varieties of polyps, etc.

Innocent at first glance, intestinal polyps can be dangerous primarily because they have a high risk of degeneration into a malignant tumor, which increases in proportion to the growth of the neoplasm itself. They can develop without any specific symptoms and be detected only when they have already reached an impressive size.

Diagnostics of the disease in ON CLINIC in Ryazan

Polyps located not far from the anus are most often detected already during the digital examination, which the coloproctologist performs during the initial examination of the patient. In addition, sigmoidoscopy can also be very informative. The specialist can also refer the patient to other instrumental examinations, namely:

• FGS;
• colonoscopy;
• x-ray examination, etc.

In addition, it is necessary to objectively assess the risk of a possible degeneration of a neoplasm into a cancerous tumor – its malignancy. To do this, a tissue biopsy is performed, which is subsequently sent for histological examination.

Removal of polyps in the rectum

It is important to understand that conservative treatment of polyps is not advisable due to its low efficiency. These neoplasms in ON CLINIC Ryazan are surgically removed using modern minimally invasive technologies.