Don’t Confuse Polyps And Hemorrhoids
- April 7th, 2010
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Polyps and hemorrhoids are two common types of growths found in the colorectal area. Upon visual or tactile inspection, they both look to be bulbous outgrowths from the rectum. What is the difference between a polyp and a hemorrhoid, and how can you tell which one you have?
A polyp and a hemorrhoid are two entirely dissimilar structures. A polyp is an overgrowth of the mucus membrane within the rectum. As a result it is most likely solid. A hemorrhoid, conversely, is an inflamed, swollen vein, and is filled with fluid.
A polyp in the colorectal area is considered to be a tumor; it can be the precursor to colon cancer. Regardless of whether the polyp is presently benign, it could become cancerous through time. Most health care providers, upon discovering a colorectal polyp, will remove it and send it to a lab for a biopsy. The biopsy will look for malignant cells, and determine if cancer is present.
Because a polyp could be an indication of cancer, its discovery can cause quite a scare. On the other hand, a hemorrhoid forebodes no such doom. It is not a tumor, and can never turn malignant. A hemorrhoid generally cannot develop into a worse problem, although its state can get worse.
Hemorrhoids are often triggered by a lifestyle situation: not consuming sufficient fiber, resulting in a great deal of straining when using the toilet, and therefore damaging the rectal veins. If lifestyle adjustments are not made, a hemorrhoid can become so swollen that it prolapses. If this happens, it could then become a strangulated hemorrhoid. The anal sphincter closes tightly, cutting off blood flow to the swollen vein.
Polyps are typically asymptomatic. Sometimes they lead to constipation, diarrhea, stomach pains, and rectal bleeding. For most patients, though, polyps are found at a colon cancer screening.
Hemorrhoids in the rectum are usually asymptomatic too. Occasionally the swollen veins will become so aggravated by feces that they burst, producing rectal bleeding. The blood will probably be bright red, covering the feces. Because this is a sign of polyps also, rectal bleeding shouldn’t cause you undue concern.
Owing to the risk of colon cancer, polyps are almost always taken out as soon as possible. Since a currently benign polyp can always turn cancerous, medical experts don’t take any chances. The elimination of polyps decreases the danger of cancer developing later on.
Hemorrhoids, if severe, are sometimes taken out surgically as well. However, medical experts typically advise several lifestyle changes first. If the hemorrhoid is mild, these changes will typically clear up the problem.
There are lots of different ways to treat the pain of hemorrhoids, from natural hemorrhoid treatment to more invasive surgical procedures. Find out which is right for you at Getting Rid of Hemorrhoids.