The biggest difference between internal hemorrhoids and rectal cancer

Internal hemorrhoids and rectal cancer are two completely different diseases, and they differ significantly in many aspects. The main differences between internal hemorrhoids and rectal cancer include different pathogenesis, location and characteristics of the tumor, symptoms, pathological characteristics, treatment methods, etc. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Different pathogenesis: Internal hemorrhoids are mainly caused by dilation and varicose veins of blood vessels in the rectum, and are benign lesions of the vascular system. Rectal cancer, on the other hand, is caused by malignant mutations of normal cells in the rectum, forming malignant tumors.

2. Location and characteristics of the mass: Internal hemorrhoids are usually located below the anal dentate line, and the mass is usually a soft mass of varicose veins, with a certain degree of mobility and slow growth. Rectal cancer may be located above or below the dentate line, and the mass is hard, with low mobility, and will grow rapidly, and may infiltrate along the rectal wall or grow inside or outside the intestinal cavity.

3. Symptoms: The main symptoms of internal hemorrhoids include painless blood in the stool, a feeling of heaviness in the anus, hemorrhoid prolapse, itching, etc. Rectal cancer is manifested by pain in the rectal area, mixed blood in the stool, including pus, blood and mucus, changes in bowel habits such as alternating diarrhea and constipation, and abnormal stool shape.

4. Pathological characteristics: The pathological changes of internal hemorrhoids are mainly the variation of hemangiomas, and a large number of malignant tumor cells cannot be observed under the microscope. Rectal cancer is a malignant tumor, which is mainly manifested by the aggregation and infiltration of a large number of malignant tumor cells.

5. Treatment methods: The treatment of internal hemorrhoids is relatively simple, and generally can be treated with surgical resection or conservative medical treatment such as hemorrhoid cream, sitz bath, etc. The treatment of rectal cancer is much more complicated, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and other anti-tumor treatment methods, and the treatment process is long and the prognosis varies greatly.

Internal hemorrhoids and rectal cancer are significantly different in many aspects. When relevant symptoms occur, you should seek medical attention in time and undergo detailed examinations in order to accurately diagnose and take appropriate treatment measures. At the same time, raising awareness of prevention and maintaining good living and eating habits are also important measures to prevent these two diseases.