What is the difference between hemorrhoids and polyps? Learn about their causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Get answers to your frequently asked questions.

Understanding the Differences Between Hemorrhoids and Polyps

Hemorrhoids and polyps are two distinct conditions that can affect the lower digestive system, but they have some key differences. Hemorrhoids are swollen or inflamed veins that develop in the anus or lower rectum, often causing discomfort, pain, and itching. They can be caused by factors such as straining during bowel movements, pregnancy, or aging. On the other hand, colorectal polyps are growths that develop on the lining of the rectum or colon. While polyps may not always cause symptoms, they can sometimes lead to rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, nausea, or abdominal discomfort.

Causes of Hemorrhoids and Polyps

The primary causes of hemorrhoids include increased pressure in the veins around the rectum, which can result from factors such as pregnancy, prolonged sitting, straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation, aging, being overweight, and frequently lifting heavy objects. Polyps, on the other hand, are more commonly associated with factors like inflammatory bowel diseases, a strong family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, smoking, excessive alcohol use, low physical activity, an unhealthy diet, and aging.

Diagnosis and Testing for Hemorrhoids and Polyps

In many cases, a healthcare provider can differentiate between hemorrhoids and polyps based on the patient’s symptoms and a physical examination. If a polyp is suspected, further testing, such as a colonoscopy, will likely be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and remove the polyp for testing. This is important because some polyps can be cancerous or precancerous. Hemorrhoids, on the other hand, usually do not require additional testing, and the doctor may suggest home treatment options.

Treatment for Hemorrhoids

For most people, at-home care methods such as taking over-the-counter pain medications, using topical creams or ointments, and taking warm sitz baths can be effective in managing the discomfort of hemorrhoids. In more severe cases, doctors may prescribe medications to shrink the hemorrhoid tissue or recommend surgical removal.

Treatment for Polyps

The primary treatment for polyps is removal, which is typically done during a colonoscopy. This is important to prevent the development of colorectal cancer, as some polyps can be precancerous or cancerous.

Preventing Hemorrhoids and Polyps

To reduce the risk of developing hemorrhoids, it is recommended to eat a high-fiber diet, take fiber supplements, drink plenty of water, avoid straining during bowel movements, and not sit on the toilet for extended periods. Preventing polyps involves addressing risk factors such as maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and quitting smoking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can hemorrhoids and polyps cause similar symptoms?
Yes, both hemorrhoids and polyps can cause rectal bleeding and the presence of lumps or growths in the rectum or anus, which can make them difficult to differentiate without a proper medical examination.

How do doctors diagnose the difference between hemorrhoids and polyps?
Doctors can often distinguish between hemorrhoids and polyps based on the patient’s symptoms and a physical examination. If a polyp is suspected, a colonoscopy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and remove the polyp for testing.

Are hemorrhoids and polyps both dangerous conditions?
Hemorrhoids are generally not dangerous, although they can be uncomfortable. Polyps, on the other hand, can be precancerous or cancerous, making their removal and testing important to prevent the development of colorectal cancer.

Can home remedies help manage hemorrhoids?
Yes, many people can effectively manage the discomfort of hemorrhoids using over-the-counter medications, topical creams or ointments, and warm sitz baths. More severe cases may require prescription medications or surgical treatment.

How can I reduce my risk of developing hemorrhoids and polyps?
Adopting a high-fiber diet, staying hydrated, avoiding straining during bowel movements, and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent the development of hemorrhoids. Reducing risk factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol use, and an unhealthy diet can also lower the risk of polyps.

What Is The Difference Between Hemorrhoids And Polyps? Diagnosis, Treatment, And Prevention

Content

• Overview
• Causes of hemorrhoids and polyps
• Diagnosis and testing for hemorrhoids and polyps
• Treatment of hemorrhoids 
• Treatment of polyps
• The lowdown
• Frequently asked questions

Hemorrhoids are swollen or inflamed veins that develop in the anus or lower rectum that can cause discomfort, pain, and itching. They can be caused by straining during bowel movements, pregnancy, or age. They may bleed occasionally, but they generally don’t cause any permanent damage. 

There are several different types of hemorrhoids, and many people confuse them with other anal problems, like polyps. Colorectal polyps are growths that develop on the lining of the rectum or colon. Polyps often don’t cause any symptoms, but sometimes they can cause rectal bleeding, bowel movements with blood, a feeling of incomplete evacuation, nausea, or abdominal discomfort.  

Because the symptoms can be similar, people sometimes wonder how to tell the difference between hemorrhoids and polyps. This article will provide an overview of both conditions, as well as how to tell the difference between them.

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In general, hemorrhoids are caused by increased pressure in the veins around the rectum. This can be the result of several factors, including:

• Pregnancy

• Sitting for prolonged periods of time

• Straining during bowel movements

• Chronic constipation

• Aging

• Being significantly overweight

• Frequently lifting heavy objects

Anyone can potentially experience colorectal polyps, but there are some groups who have a higher risk of developing polyps. The risk factors include:

• Inflammatory conditions that affect the colon (such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)

• A strong family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps

• Smoking

• Excessive alcohol use

• Low levels of physical activity

• An unhealthy diet (with few fruits and vegetables and a lot of red meat, especially processed meat)

• Being significantly overweight

• Aging

Both hemorrhoids and polyps can cause a small amount of bleeding from the rectum. You might notice blood on the toilet paper after using the toilet. Both of these can also cause lumps to appear in the rectum or around the anus. Because the symptoms can be similar, many people easily confuse the two conditions.

Polyps can be associated with changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation. Hemorrhoids should not cause these changes. However, polyps don’t always cause these changes either, so it’s important not to assume that you have a hemorrhoid just because there are no changes in your bowel habits.

In many cases, a physician can differentiate between a hemorrhoid and a polyp based on your symptoms and a physical exam. If you have a hemorrhoid, they’ll likely recommend home treatment, and no further testing is usually needed. If you have a polyp, you’ll most likely need a procedure to remove it and test it. Some polyps are cancerous or precancerous, so it’s important to do this testing.

Hemorrhoids are usually not dangerous. However, they can be uncomfortable, and treatments may help manage the discomfort. In addition, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of future hemorrhoids. Some of the useful methods of at-home care for hemorrhoids include:

• Taking over-the-counter medications to help with pain and swelling, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen

• Taking a sitz bath one or a few times a day. This involves sitting in a shallow pan or tub of warm water to help relieve pain or discomfort.

• Using over-the-counter creams, ointments, or suppositories (such as Preparation H)

For most people, these methods will be enough to manage hemorrhoids. In more severe cases, doctors may prescribe medications to help shrink hemorrhoid tissue or recommend surgery to remove it.

Prevention of hemorrhoids

It’s also useful to take steps to reduce your risk of developing more hemorrhoids in the future. Some ways to do this include:

• Eating more high in fiber foods (such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains)

• Taking extra fiber in the form of supplements (such as psyllium husk or methylcellulose), if this is needed to keep your stool soft and easy to pass

• Drinking plenty of water

• Not straining during bowel movements

• Avoiding sitting on the toilet for lengthy periods 

• Going to the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge rather than waiting

Treatment for polyps typically includes removing them, which is done during a colonoscopy. A long flexible tube with a light and camera on the end is inserted through the rectum. Specially designed surgical instruments can be inserted through the tube, allowing the surgeon to remove polyps.  

Some colorectal polyps are precancerous, meaning there’s a risk that they’ll turn into cancer in the future. This is why it’s important to remove polyps during a colonoscopy. Not all polyps are precancerous, but it’s difficult to tell the difference simply by looking at them. During your colonoscopy, any polyps will be removed and sent to a laboratory to be analyzed under a microscope. 

Prevention of polyps

Anyone can potentially develop colorectal polyps, and there’s no sure way to prevent them. However, there are ways to reduce your risk. These include:

• Eat more fruits and vegetables and less red meat (especially processed meat)

• Get enough physical activity (at least 150 minutes — two and a half hours — every week)

• Quit smoking

• If you drink alcohol, try to keep your consumption moderate (no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men).

• If you’re overweight, take steps to lose some of the excess weight. Even losing just a few pounds can make a difference.

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum that can be painful. However, they are not generally dangerous. Polyps, on the other hand, are growths or masses in the lining of the rectum or colon. While polyps themselves don’t cause any symptoms, there’s a risk that they may turn into colon cancer.

Can a colonoscopy distinguish hemorrhoids from colon cancer?

Yes, the procedure can identify both. A colonoscopy can also identify other problems with your colon, like inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, or diverticulitis.

Can hemorrhoids lead to colon cancer?

No, hemorrhoids cannot turn into colon cancer. However, it’s possible that polyps can. Regular screenings can help detect colon polyps, allowing doctors to remove them before they turn into cancer.

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

There are several possible causes of this. The most common are hemorrhoids and anal fissures (small cracks in the mucous membrane around the anus). However, rectal bleeding can also be caused by more serious conditions, including cancer. It’s important to be checked by a doctor to make sure that your bleeding doesn’t indicate a serious condition.

Can you have hemorrhoids and polyps at the same time?

Polyps don’t cause hemorrhoids, nor do hemorrhoids cause polyps. However, it’s certainly possible to have both at the same time. In fact, these two conditions share some risk factors, including a sedentary lifestyle, alcohol use, and certain dietary factors.

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 found 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.