If you have hemorrhoids, that means you've developed merely swollen, inflamed vessels either in or around your anal opening. Typically, this is not a major medical concern. At the same time, anal cancer, diverticulitis and other diseases share common symptoms with hemorrhoids. For that reason, some people worry that their hemorrhoids mean cancer has developed. Luckily, we can help you differentiate between each concern with the information highlighted in this post.

Hemorrhoid Symptoms

Hemorrhoids can form outside of your anus (external hemorrhoids), and that may lead to itching, discomfort, and/or swelling.  They can also form inside the anus, causing less pain but leading to other hemorrhoid symptoms such as rectal bleeding, leaking mucus, itching and protruding vessels.

Diverticulitis Symptoms

With diverticulitis, you develop an infection in the diverticula (small pouches that occur naturally in the colon lining.) The infection can cause abdominal distension, pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits; some overlap with hemorrhoid and certain cancer symptoms, occasionally causing confusion.

Anal Cancer Symptoms

Though having hemorrhoids doesn't mean you have cancer, these conditions do have overlapping symptoms. The American Cancer Society notes that anal cancer symptoms can include anal bleeding and abnormal discharge as well as itching around your rectum. Now, while these concerns could also be signs of hemorrhoids, there are additional cancer symptoms that are separate and distinct. These include :

• A lump or mass that forms at the anal opening
• Feelings of fullness or pain in the anal region
• Loss of control over or changes to bowel movements
• Lymph node swelling in the groin or anus

Symptoms of Hemorrhoids & Cancer: When to Seek Intervention

if you're dealing with mild hemorrhoid symptoms, you can probably find relief at home by making simple changes. Try to drink more fluid and eat more fiber to alleviate any constipation and pass bowel movements with greater ease. Even if you are constipated, don't sit on the toilet for too long, and try not to strain when you pass a bowel movement.

Are your symptoms persisting or worsening, even with these lifestyle changes to manage hemorrhoids? Are your experiencing any kind of rectal bleeding? If you answered yes to either question, you should see a doctor right away, to make sure you are dealing with hemorrhoids and not cancer symptoms. Then, if you are diagnosed with internal hemorrhoids you can request a consultation with the Georgia Hemorrhoid Institute to discuss your treatment options.