Do you know how to differentiate hemorrhoids from anal fissure, anal abscess, polyp, pruritus ani and colon cancer? Hemorrhoids can be misdiagnosed with different types of conditions. Originally, hemorrhoids are clumps of blood vessels found in the rectum. The hemorrhoidal clumps of veins are found in the lowest area of the rectal sphincter above the anus. Due to a series of factors, the veins will swell and the veins become enlarged. The walls also become overtly stretched and become thin as well as irritated due to bowel movements. Hemorrhoids are differentiated according to two categories, namely internal and external.
If not irritated, hemorrhoids are normal vascular structures found in the anal canal used for stool control. They then become pathological and are then considered as piles. Infected hemorrhoids are inflamed and swollen. The type of symptoms shown for pathological hemorrhoids is based on present symptoms. Internal hemorrhoids will have painless rectal bleeding coupled with a few symptoms common to external hemorrhoids. They may produce a number of symptoms which are significant to swelling and pain in the rectal area. Some of the most common factors for inflamed hemorrhoids include intra-abdominal pressure, constipation and several other factors.
Hemorrhoids share a number of symptoms with other conditions and in can only be diagnosed with physical examination. Physical examination is only the way on how to differentiate hemorrhoids from anal fissure, anal abscess, polyp, pruritus ani and colon cancer and it is considered as the most effective. Visual examination is done in the surrounding areas of the anus in order to check if there is a presence of prolapsed or external hemorrhoids. A rectal exam is done in order to monitor for the presence of polyps, tumors, enlargement of the prostate and abscesses. Examination will not be done if patients are suffering from pain. In terms of visual confirmation, hemorrhoids are searched through anoscopy. Anoscopy is the diagnosis through the use of a hollow device which has a light on one end.
Many anorectal conditions, such as fissures, abscesses, fistulae, rectal varices, colorectal cancer, infections and itching have similar symptoms as with hemorrhoids. For instance, rectal bleeding can occur due to colitis and colorectal cancer. This includes a wide range of conditions including inflammatory bowel diseases, angiodysplasia and diverticular conditions. Other conditions that also have the same symptom as hemorrhoids include skin tags, rectal prolapsed, anal warts, enlargement of the papillae and polyps. Anorectal vertices can happen due to portal hypertension and may also have similar symptoms as with hemorrhoids.
Anal fissure vs. hemorrhoids
Anal fissure is considered as the tear or break in the skin around the anal canal. The fissures may be noticed with bright red bleeding found in the feces or in toilet paper. It might cause pain after defection and may intensify depending on the condition. Fissure depth can be superficial and will often be based according to underlying muscles. Unlike hemorrhoids, this condition can be caused by several STDs and with other conditions. It might be due to tuberculosis, abscesses, carcinoma, and leukemic infiltration. STDs can promote the breakdown of the fissure and some of the examples include syphilis, Chlamydia and herpes.
Anal abscess and hemorrhoids
Anal abscess differs largely from piles. Even though anal abscesses have lumps of tissue which protrudes from the rectum, it is entirely a different medical condition. An anal abscess is considered as a cavity found in the anal opening or deep within the rectum. It may contain pus and many people who inspect it might think that they are suffering from hemorrhoids. The perianal abscess can have a collection of bacterial pus which can be mistaken as hemorrhoids. However, the intensity of the pain and the presence of a fever will make it obvious.
Out of more than 10,000 individuals, over 8 to 9 will experience anal abscess in their lifetime. If the condition is left untreated, it can cause some serious complications which can ultimately lead to death. The rectal region has some glands that normally lubricate the area and when such glands are infected, they can cause blockage and damage in the rectal area. Bacteria can also be trapped in the glands and can mix with existing fluid, becoming pus. It then becomes severely inflamed and patients will not be able to sleep due to the pain. Anal abscess is more common in women and is also common to individuals who have weakened body immune systems due to various conditions such as Hodgkin or Crohn’s disease. The condition can easily be diagnosed through the use of an X-ray.
Pruritis ani vs. hemorrhoids
Pruritis ani is considered as itchiness of the anal area and it is a common anal condition. It is also misdiagnosed as hemorrhoids and sometimes patients might even think that they are suffering from hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids actually do not burn or itch and it does not cause soreness and pain. If the skin around the anal area is itchy and burning then it might be due to pruritis ani. This condition is also benign and it can also develop skin cancer. People suffering from pruritis ani will have irritation and redness in the skin around the anal area. There will be marks around the anus and it is important to stop scratching the affected area. Seeping moisture can also cause significant irritation and might worsen during the summer due to sweat.
Polyps vs. Hemorrhoids
A hemorrhoid is considered as a vascular cushion found in the perennial area while a polyp is considered as true growth or a tumor and neoplasm which arise from the linings of the gut or gallbladder. Color polyps are removed in other to prevent cancer whilst hemorrhoids are not considered as tumors. Both hemorrhoids and polyps are considered as abnormalities yet the area where they are located differs from each other. Polyps can degenerate to cancer while hemorrhoids can cause discomfort or bleeding.
Colon cancer and hemorrhoids
Rectal cancer can also be misdiagnosed as hemorrhoids due to a number of symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms for this condition include a feeling of passing stool, change of bowel habits, weight loss and the presence of blood in the stool. Advanced colon cancer will have an increase of pain and the presence of polyps. In order to inspect patients with this condition, the finger method is done. A finger is inserted in the anal area and the finger will detect a bumpy mass or hard surface. To fully detect the condition, physicians are required to run a series of tests in the anal area. Regular checkup will be the best way on how to differentiate hemorrhoids from anal fissure, anal abscess, polyp, pruritus ani and colon cancer.
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