Published on: 6/11/2024
How do you distinguish anal cancer from hemorrhoids?
The difference between hemorrhoids and anal cancer are the appearance and hardness. Anal cancer will feel harder than hemorrhoids and may be buldging out of the anus more.
Explanation
Hemorrhoids are caused by veins around the rectum and anus that swell and enlarge with blood leading to symptoms like itching, pain and bleeding. There are two types of hemorrhoids: internal and external.
Internal hemorrhoids are generally painless and cannot be felt externally unless they have prolapsed (ie: pushed out through the anus). External hemorrhoids, on the other hand, can be painful, itchy and also bleed. These can be more easily felt and seen around the anus.
Anal cancer, on the other hand, usually develops from the skin cells of the anus. Unlikely hemorrhoids, that are buldging veings, anal cancer is harder like a stone and fixed in place. Hemorrhoids tend to be softer and have less of a "stuck on" sensation.
Regardless, if you feel a mass in your anus, discuss with your provider and have them take a look.
(References)
Mott T, Latimer K, Edwards C. Hemorrhoids: Diagnosis and Treatment Options. Am Fam Physician. 2018 Feb 1;97(3):172-179. PMID: 29431977.
Gondal TA, Chaudhary N, Bajwa H, Rauf A, Le D, Ahmed S. Anal Cancer: The Past, Present and Future. Curr Oncol. 2023 Mar 11;30(3):3232-3250. doi: 10.3390/curroncol30030246. PMID: 36975459; PMCID: PMC10047250.
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