Although the symptoms of hemorrhoids and polyps can be similar, they are very different in terms of their nature and locations.
Veins in the lower rectum and anus that swell due to straining or increased pressure are known as hemorrhoids.
Unusual growths called polyps on the lining of the colon or rectum have the potential to turn into colorectal cancer. They are frequently connected to lifestyle elements including nutrition and heredity.
To illustrate the distinctions between hemorrhoids and polyps, this article will evaluate their symptoms, causes, risk factors, diagnosis, and potential treatments.
Hemorrhoids vs. polyps symptoms
While rectal bleeding is one of the common symptoms that hemorrhoids and polyps can present with, each condition has unique characteristics.
Hemorrhoid symptoms
When veins in the lower rectum and anus swell and become irritated, hemorrhoids occur. Depending on the type of hemorrhoid, the symptoms might change, but typical ones include:
- rectal bleeding
- severe itchiness or irritation in the vicinity of the anal area
- ache or discomfort, particularly when sitting or having bowel motions
- swelling around the anus
- a potentially sensitive or painful bump close to the anus
Polyp symptoms
Anomalous tissue growths known as polyps can develop on the lining of the colon or rectum. Although big polyps rarely cause symptoms, they can
- blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
- alterations in bowel habits, like diarrhea or constipation
- abdominal pain
- mucus with stool
What causes hemorrhoids vs. polyps?
Although food and lifestyle decisions can affect both illnesses, the etiology of polyps and hemorrhoids are distinct.
Hemorrhoid causes
Too much pressure on the veins in the lower rectum and anus can result in hemorrhoids. This is frequently the result of:
- straining during bowel movements
- being pregnant
- having a low-fiber diet
- frequently lifting heavy objects
- sitting for long periods on the toilet
- having obesity
- chronic diarrhea or constipation
Polyp causes
When cells in the colon or rectum develop abnormally because of genetic abnormalities or environmental causes, polyps result. These alterations could be sporadic, which means they arise at random and with no apparent reason, or they could be connected to underlying illnesses such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Who gets hemorrhoids vs. polyps?
Several circumstances can make hemorrhoid more likely to grow than a polyp.
Hemorrhoid risk factors
The following are some factors that raise the risk of hemorrhoids:
- being overweight
- having a sedentary lifestyle
- constipation
- pregnancy and childbirth
Polyp risk factors
Risk factors for polyps include:
- possessing a personal or family history of colon cancer or polyps
- hereditary syndromes such as Lynch syndrome or Gardner’s syndrome
- being over age 50 years
- consuming a low-fiber or high-fat diet
- smoking
- excess alcohol intake
When to contact a doctor
You must get in touch with a doctor if you encounter any of the following symptoms:
- alterations in bowel movements that continue longer than a week
- unexplained weight loss
- a lump or swelling near the anus
- blood in the stool or black stool
- persistent rectal bleeding
- severe pain or discomfort in the rectal area
Anal fissures, anemia from prolonged bleeding, and the onset of colorectal cancer can all be avoided with early diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnosing hemorrhoids and polyps
A doctor would usually begin treating hemorrhoids with a physical examination, checking for enlarged veins near the anus. If necessary, a digital rectal exam could be conducted to feel for internal hemorrhoids, which are beneath the surface.
The procedure for polyps frequently starts with a review of your past medical history and symptoms. To visually evaluate the colon and rectum for abnormal growths, a doctor may prescribe a colonoscopy.
A flexible tube equipped with a camera will be used by the surgeon to look for polyps during this process. As alternatives, they occasionally might recommend a barium enema or CT colonography, a specialist X-ray examination of the colon and rectum.
Further testing could be necessary for both cases. This may involve an anoscopy to see the anal canal if you have hemorrhoids. A stool test for polyps may be ordered by a physician, and during a colonoscopy, a surgeon may take a tissue sample to check for malignant cells.
How are hemorrhoids and polyps treated?
The severity and particularity of the problem determine how hemorrhoids and polyps should be treated. To reduce symptoms and avoid consequences, both have a range of alternatives.
Hemorrhoid treatment
Treatment for hemorrhoids may include:
- Dietary changes and bathroom habits: These include consuming more fiber, drinking plenty of water, and not straining when bowel motions are occurring to lessen the pressure on the rectal veins.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) medications: Pain and swelling can be lessened with the use of specialized lotions, ointments, suppositories, and painkillers.
- Warm baths: For pain relief and inflammation reduction, spend at least 10 to 15 minutes, multiple times a day, sitting in warm water or taking sitz baths.
- Medical procedures: For severe or recurring cases, a physician might suggest surgical removal, sclerotherapy, or rubber band ligation if home remedies don’t work.
Polyp treatment
During a colonoscopy, colorectal polyps are removed as the main course of treatment. Your doctor might advise surgery, usually via minimally invasive methods like laparoscopy, if the polyps are too big.
Depending on the stage and kind of the disease, you could require further treatments like radiation or chemotherapy if a polyp is determined to be malignant.
Can you prevent hemorrhoids or polyps?
Although preventing hemorrhoids or polyps isn’t always feasible, there are a few tactics you can use to lower your risk:
- consuming a diet rich in fiber to avoid constipation and lessen the effort involved in bowel movements
- drinking lots of water to stay hydrated and lower your chance of constipation. This will keep your stools smooth.
- Frequent exercise can encourage regular, healthy bowel motions.
- Avoid spending a lot of time sitting, especially on the toilet.
- keeping the weight in check to ease the strain on the rectal veins
Takeaway
Although the symptoms of hemorrhoids and polyps, such as rectal bleeding and discomfort, may be similar, they are not the same in terms of location or origin.
Polyps are abnormal tissue growths on the colon or rectum lining that has the potential to become malignant, whereas hemorrhoids are enlarged blood vessels in the rectum or anus.
Hemorrhoids can be treated with surgery, medication, and lifestyle modifications. Polyps are usually removed by doctors during a colonoscopy. Should the polyps turn out to be malignant, more care might be necessary.