Do You Know How To Differentiate Hemorrhoids From Rectal Polyps

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There are lots of similarities between internal hemorrhoids and rectal polyps; both diseases affect the ano-rectal area and they are outgrowths from within the lower rectum.
Rectal polyps are fleshy growths situated in the lining of the large intestine; they can also arise in other parts of the colon. These growths are very common and their incidence increases with age; about 50% of people over the age of 50 years will have at least one form of these growths.
The main danger of having these growths is that some of them can become cancerous when they transform into more deadly cancers of the colon.
Hemorrhoids on the other hand are basically painful, swollen and inflamed veins of the lower portion of the rectum or anus. These inflamed venous tissues are very common in pregnant women and in elderly people. They occur as a result of increased pressure within the veins of the anus which causes them to swell and become painful.
Both of these diseases can be asymptomatic and they could also present with similar symptoms of painless intermittent rectal bleeding. There are however some marked differences between these two similar conditions:
1-Rectal polyps are benign tumors that could transform into malignant tumors over time; this is why doctors usually cut a small portion of these growths which they send to the laboratory for examination under the microscope to check for the presence of malignant and cancerous cells.
Internal piles on the other hand are not really tumors; they are swollen masses of over dilated veins and their surrounding inflamed tissues. They do not become malignant and they are not usually life threatening.
2-Polyps cause mainly abdominal pain while hemorrhoid pain causes more of pain in the butt. Piles also lead to constipation whereas constipation actually leads to piles.
3-Because of their potential to transform into malignant tumors, polyps are treated mainly by surgical excision. If they can be totally removed their chances of future transformation into malignant tumors is greatly reduced.
Hemorrhoids however are best treated by a simple lifestyle and diet changes in combination with the use of herbal remedies. Surgery is only reserved for the few severe cases that were most likely not treated on time till they developed complications.
4-You can prevent piles successfully by adopting simple lifestyle changes that includes simple exercises, diet changes and the consumption of high fiber foods. Lifestyle and diet changes on the other hand have no effect on the successful treatment and outcome of rectal polyps.
Source by Bello Gbenga

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