Rectal bleeding, pain, lumps or discomfort around the anus can cause concern. While these symptoms are often linked to hemorrhoids (piles), a benign condition, they can sometimes indicate anal cancer – a rarer but more serious illness. Both parts similar signs, which can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment. Important differences often include persistent pain, hard or irregular lumps, bleeding that are not related to bowel movements and changes in intestinal habits. Risk factors such as HPV infection, smoking and weakened immunity increase vulnerability. Recognizing warning signs early and consulting a physician is immediately crucial for exact diagnosis and effective treatment.
Understand the difference between causes and symptoms of piles and anal cancer
Hemorrhoids (piles)
Hemorrhoids (often called piles) are swollen or inflamed vascular structures in the lower rectum and anal canal. In their normal state, these vascular pillows help with stool control, but when they are engulfed with blood they enlarge and cause symptoms.They are largely classified in:
- Internal hemorrhoids: Occurs inside the rectum, usually painless if they do not prole or become irritated.
- External hemorrhoids: Located under the skin around the anus, often painful, especially when thrombos (coagulated).
- Prolapsed hemorrhoids: internal hemorrhoids that stand out through the anus.
Common causes and risk factors include: chronic constipation, effort, prolonged sitting in the toilet, pregnancy, obesity, low fiber diet and repeated heavy lifting.
Typical symptoms of hemorrhoids
- Light red bleeding during or after bowel movements
- Itching, irritation or burning around the anus
- A lump or swelling near the anus (especially external or dilapidated hemorrhoids)
- Mucus printing
- Discomfort or pain, especially with external hemorrhoids
- Sometimes a feeling of fullness or incomplete evacuation
These symptoms often grow and decrease; Inflows can solve with conservative treatments such as increased fiber, hydration, sitzbad, topical agents or minimal procedures.
Anal cancer
Anal cancer is a malignant growth that originated in the tissues of the anus (the distal channel through which stools pass). It is the result of abnormal cell growth, often in the feed on the anal canal. It is relatively rare compared to many other cancers, but it requires rapid diagnosis and treatment when it is available.Types and risk factors
- Discity cancer is the most common type of cancer.
- Other types include adenocarcinoma, small cell carcinoma and melanoma (less frequent).
- Risk factors include infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), human immune deficiency virus (HIV), smoking, several sexual partners, receiving anal intercourse, former anal warts, weakened immune system and history of other sex cancer.
Symptoms of anal cancerMany symptoms overlap with hemorrhoids but tend to continue, aggravate or differ in shade. Important red flags may include:
- Persistent or recurring anal or rectal bleeding, sometimes darker or mixed with pallets
- A mass, lump or thickening around the anus (which may feel firmer or fixed)
- Anal or pelvic pain or pressure (not just discomfort during bowel movement)
- Changes in intestinal habits (diarrhea, constipation, decrease in stool)
- Mucus or pusut charging
- Sense of incomplete evacuation
- Inexplicable weight loss, fatigue or systemic symptoms (less common in early stages)
As anal cancer can grow and invade tissues, its symptoms cannot respond to typical hemorrhoid treatments or gradually worsen.
Overlapping symptoms of anal cancer and piles: Why confusion occurs
Since both hemorrhoids and anal cancer affect the same region, there is significant overlap in symptoms:Bleeding from the anus or rectumA lump or swelling in or near the anal regionPain or irritationMucus printingIn fact, according to a study published in Journal of Investigative Medicine High Impact Case ReportsDoctors initially misunderstand anal cancer as hemorrhoids in a significant portion of cases. One reason is that hemorrhoids are much more common and easier to suspect.But important differences lie in duration, quality, response to treatment and associated signs.
When to meet a doctor
If symptoms such as rectal bleeding, pain or lumps persist for more than a few weeks, or if they are not improved with standard hemorrhroid treatments, medical evaluation is decisive. A doctor can perform a physical examination, anoscopy or colonoscopy, and, if necessary, a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.Early detection of anal cancer significantly improves the treatment results, while rapid handling of hemorrhoids prevents chronic discomfort or complications.Disclaimer: Disclaimer: This article is only for information purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health routine or treatment.Also read | Heart disease caused by oily liver: understand the connection between metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular health
