The difference between intestinal cancer and internal hemorrhoid bleeding

The main difference between intestinal cancer and internal hemorrhoid bleeding is the bleeding pattern, color and accompanying symptoms, which need to be judged based on the specific manifestations, but if there is unexplained rectal bleeding, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible for diagnosis. Intestinal cancer can manifest as persistent blood in the stool, mucus, blood in the stool and changes in the shape of the stool, while internal hemorrhoids are often bright red and painless bleeding, sometimes accompanied by local discomfort in the anus.

1. The color and pattern of bleeding

The blood in the stool of patients with colorectal cancer is usually dark red or mixed with blood. The blood may be turbid and unclear with the stool, and is usually accompanied by mucus attached to the surface of the stool. Because the cancer lesions are located inside the intestine, the blood may pass through the intestine for a long time during the discharge process and oxidize and darken.

Internal hemorrhoid bleeding is usually bright red, and the blood often adheres to the surface of the stool, or drips or spurts after defecation, and often occurs after constipation or straining to defecate. When internal hemorrhoids bleed, they generally do not mix with the stool, and the blood is less likely to oxidize.

2. Symptoms associated with

In addition to blood in the stool, colorectal cancer may also cause abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation alternately. Some patients may experience systemic symptoms such as weight loss, anemia, fatigue, and the stool may become thinner or flat. When the condition worsens, intestinal stenosis may cause obstruction.

Internal hemorrhoids usually have no obvious systemic symptoms, but are often accompanied by local anal pain, swelling or discharge. When hemorrhoids prolapse, you may feel a foreign body sensation or friction discomfort in the anus.

3. Possible causes and predisposing factors

The occurrence of colorectal cancer is closely related to genetic factors, dietary habits such as high-fat, low-fiber foods, long-term sitting, chronic intestinal inflammation, and aging. Internal hemorrhoids are usually caused by local varicose veins in the anus, and the causes include constipation, long-term sitting, and increased abdominal pressure during pregnancy.

4. Diagnosis and treatment methods

If suspicious symptoms occur, it is necessary to go to the hospital for examination in time. Colorectal cancer can be diagnosed through colonoscopy, CT colonography or carcinoembryonic antigen CEA blood test. Treatment mainly includes surgical resection such as anterior rectal resection or right hemicolectomy, and may also be combined with chemotherapy or radiotherapy for comprehensive treatment.

Patients with mild internal hemorrhoids can relieve symptoms by adjusting their diet to a high-fiber diet, increasing their water intake, taking warm sitz baths, and taking topical medications such as hemorrhoid suppositories. In severe cases, surgical treatments such as hemorrhoidectomy, sclerotherapy injections, or rubber band ligation may be considered.

Rectal bleeding cannot be ignored. Whether it is intestinal cancer or internal hemorrhoids, the cause needs to be identified as soon as possible. It is recommended to consult a doctor in time and undergo necessary examinations when discomfort occurs, so as not to delay the disease and protect intestinal health.