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Category: Colon Cancer

Hemorrhoids or Colon Cancer? How To Tell The Difference

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Seeing blood on the toilet paper, in your toilet bowl, or in your stool can make anyone worried. Since hemorrhoids and colon cancer can cause similar symptoms, don’t panic. Hemorrhoids are much more common. So is it hemorrhoids or colon cancer? Premier Surgical Lawson Group shares how to tell the difference.

Hemorrhoids And Their Symptomsman with hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins inside the rectum and anus. They grow larger and become irritated and inflamed causing pain, itching, and bleeding. They can develop inside or outside the anus and are quite common with ½ of adults developing them before age 50.

Risk factors include pregnancy, sitting for long periods, having constipation or diarrhea, and from lifting heavy objects.

Symptoms of hemorrhoids may include the following:

  • Rectal bleeding
  • Pain
  • Discomfort and lumps around the anus
  • Itching
  • Irritation
  • Swelling

Symptoms of hemorrhoids are usually intermittent, but they don’t tend to get worse, and they don’t cause weight loss or cause colon cancer.

Colorectal Cancer And Its Symptoms

Colon cancer is a serious condition that starts in the large intestine or rectum, and it is known as colorectal cancer. It is more common in seniors, and they develop from cancerous polyps that grow inside the colon. Not all polyps will turn cancerous, but identifying and removing them is the best way to prevent colon cancer.

The screening tests for colon cancer are necessary for all adults starting at age 45 or earlier for those with a higher risk.

Increased risk factors include someone over the age of 45, with a family history of colorectal cancer, and being current or past smoker.

Common symptoms of colon cancer include:

  • A change in bowel habits like frequent diarrhea or constipation
  • Weight loss which is unintended
  • Excessive fatigue
  • Blood in stool
  • Abdominal pain like gas or cramps
  • Inability to empty bowels
  • Nausea
  • Tarry black stools

The First Step

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, the first step is to see your medical provider and get a proper diagnosis. Don’t wait because you assume it is just hemorrhoids.

Current survival rates for colon cancer are very high with early diagnosis and treatment.

You can reduce your risk of both hemorrhoids and colon cancer by eating a healthy diet with fiber and water, regular exercise, and seeing your doctor for checkups and screenings.

The physicians of Premier Surgical Lawson Group in Johnson City, Tennessee, are experienced in surgically treating many conditions including hemorrhoids and colon cancer.

To schedule a consultation, please call our office at (423) 975-5650 or request an appointment through our secure online form.

Sources:

Can Hemorrhoids Cause Cancer? Comparing their Symptoms (healthline.com)

Hemorrhoids Vs Colon Cancer | Moffitt

Hemorrhoids or Colorectal Cancer: How To Know the Difference (bayfrontstpete.com)

What Are the Silent Signs of Colon Cancer?

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Many cancers have telltale signs, while others are harder to detect. Then, there are those that give you very little symptoms, making it almost impossible to recognize. Colon cancer is one of the latter. The physicians of Premier Surgical Lawson Group in Johnson City, TN, say it’s important to understand the silent signs of colon cancer.

Colon Cancer is Common, But Hard to Diagnose

Even though colon cancer is one of the more common types of cancer, it is difficult to diagnose because of its mostly silent signs. Any cancer not found at an early stage is that much more difficult to treat and realize a positive result. Colon cancer is no exception.

You can catch colon cancer early by having regular screenings. A colonoscopy is the best tool for those who are at risk and those with little to no risk factors. Don’t wait to experience any symptoms of late stage colon cancer. You can contact the Premier Surgical Lawson Group to schedule a colonoscopy.

Signs of Colon Cancer

Knowing your body and being alert for even minor signs is the best way to avoid colorectal cancer. They may not be totally silent, but any change in bowel habits is the first place to start.

Many of the earliest signs of colorectal cancer can be attributed to other benign issues or conditions, so many times they are dismissed. Things like diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and fatigue are common ailments and to be caused by any number of other conditions, but if these symptoms persist, see a colorectal specialist.

Watch out for the following:

  • Change in bowel habits. A change in bowel habits means that you are experiencing these changes since “normal” is different for everyone. Notice your inability to pass gas, narrow stools, mucus in the stools, watering bowel movements lasting longer than 24 hours, pus, severe abdominal pain, and weight loss.
  • Rectal bleeding, or blood in stools. This includes: Color of stools? Is it on or in the stools? Is it on the toilet paper or in the toilet? How often? Are you experiencing other symptoms too?
  • Changes to stools. Black, loose, sticky or tarry stools are not normal.
  • Severe fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Iron deficiency anemia
  • Low blood count

Don’t ignore any of these signs of early colorectal cancer!

Who Is Most at Risk for Colon Cancer?

In general, older adults, and especially older men are more at risk than women. Any person who has had inflammatory bowel disease or has a family history of colorectal cancer are more at risk.

Add in those adults who live an unhealthy lifestyle like not enough physical activity, not eating enough fruits and veggies, lack of fiber in their diet, plus alcohol and tobacco consumption.

If this sounds like you, even more reason to pay attention to the above signs of early colorectal cancer and schedule a colonoscopy screening.

Pay close attention to your body and any silent signs of colon cancer. Contact Premier Surgical Lawson Group in Johnson City at (423) 975-5650 to schedule a colonoscopy or for more information about colon cancer.