HealthCare

What causes hemorrhoids and how are they best treated?

Hemorrhoids: Causes, treatments, and debunking myths

Hemorrhoids, who wants to talk about that? Well, it's a super common search term on the internet. And a lot of patients are looking for information about their anorectal complaints. Typically, hemorrhoids will bleed with bowel movements or they'll prolapse, meaning they pop out when you go to the bathroom or strain. And they will either go back in on their own or you have to push them back in over time. And it tends to be relatively progressive. We're not exactly sure why hemorrhoids form. But it's probably related to straining and excess pressure. And that's why we always recommend that patients maintain soft regular bowel movements, and that they supplement with fiber products to keep things regular. Fortunately, there are a lot of good treatments available-- treatment options available. And many of these are actually performed in the office, such as rubber band ligation. Others require a trip to the operating room for hemorrhoidectomy. There are a lot of myths out there about recovery. There are a lot of new technologies available. And to be perfectly honest, most hemorrhoids and their symptoms are totally fixable and curable. In addition, there can be other conditions that mimic hemorrhoid symptoms, whether it be an anal fissure or a fistula or skin conditions or even tumors or masses. And so it's really important that if you have persistent symptoms, you bring it to the attention of your primary care doctor, get in for an evaluation. They'll make the proper referral. And then a surgeon like a colorectal surgeon will see you, perform a full assessment, and talk to you about options.

Hemorrhoids are a common anorectal complaint that can cause bleeding and prolapse. We're not sure why they form, but straining and excess pressure probably contributes to it. Fortunately, there are many treatments available, from rubber band ligation to hemorrhoidectomy, and most cases are curable. It's important to get an evaluation from a doctor if you have persistent symptoms, as other conditions can mimic hemorrhoidal symptoms.

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Hemorrhoids, although not a pleasant topic, are a common concern for many individuals. They often cause bleeding during bowel movements or prolapse, where they protrude during straining and may need to be manually pushed back in. The exact cause of hemorrhoids is not fully understood, but it is likely related to straining and increased pressure.

To treat hemorrhoids, it is important to maintain soft and regular bowel movements. This can be achieved by incorporating fiber products into your diet. There are various treatment options available, with many procedures being performed in the doctor's office. Rubber band ligation is a common procedure, while more severe cases may require a hemorrhoidectomy in the operating room.

It is essential to dispel myths about recovery, as most hemorrhoids and their symptoms can be effectively treated and cured. It's worth noting that other conditions, such as anal fissures, fistulas, skin conditions, tumors, or masses, can mimic hemorrhoid symptoms. If you experience persistent symptoms, it is crucial to consult your primary care doctor for evaluation and appropriate referral. A colorectal surgeon can then assess your condition fully and discuss treatment options.

Early Colon Cancer: Silent Symptoms & When to Get Checked

The question is, what are the early signs of colon cancer? And I guess I would start by saying that most early colon cancers don't cause any symptoms whatsoever. And that's the reasons why it's so important that when you turn age 45, you should undergo a screening colonoscopy, and the purpose for that colonoscopy is to identify precancerous, polyps, that can be removed before, they have a chance to turn into a cancer or to identify early cancers that are much more curable. But when tumors grow, they can cause symptoms in the most common symptoms. As by an early colon cancer would be rectal bleeding. So any blood in the stool is abnormal second, would be changes in bowel habits whether that's diarrhea or constipation, third would be unexplained weight loss. And then finally number four would be abdominal pain that persists. So for example, crampy abdominal pain that you don't have a good explanation for if you develop any of those symptoms that persist for a period of time, for example a couple of weeks, then you should definitely bring it to the attention of your primary care doctor who can initiate a workup and evaluation Which typically results in referring you for a colonoscopy to evaluate the inside lining of the colon and to rule out any cancer or tumor or other cause for your symptoms.

Early signs of colon cancer can include rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, and abdominal pain. It's important to get screened starting at age 45 with a colonoscopy to identify any precancerous polyps or early cancers that can be treated. If you experience any persistent symptoms for a couple of weeks, it's important to see your primary care doctor for a workup and evaluation.

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The early signs of colon cancer are often not noticeable, which is why it's crucial to undergo a screening colonoscopy starting at age 45. This helps identify precancerous polyps that can be removed before they develop into cancer, or detect early-stage cancers that are more treatable.

As tumors grow, they may cause symptoms such as rectal bleeding, which is any blood in the stool. Changes in bowel habits, like diarrhea or constipation, can also be a sign. Unexplained weight loss and persistent abdominal pain, such as crampy pain without a clear cause, are additional symptoms to watch for.

If you experience any of these symptoms for a prolonged period, such as a couple of weeks, it's important to inform your primary care doctor. They can initiate an evaluation and potentially refer you for a colonoscopy to examine the colon's lining and rule out cancer or other causes for your symptoms.

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Dr. Justin Maykel is a board-certified physician at UMass Medical Center in Worcester, MA. He specializes in Internal Medicine and serves as a faculty member at UMass Medical School. He completed his undergraduate studies at St. Lawrence University and earned his medical degree at UMass Medical School. He is passionate about providing comprehensive and compassionate care, preventative care, chronic disease management and patient education. He is a member of the American College of Physicians and a fellow of the American Academy of Internal Medicine. He is committed to providing the best care possible and advancing the field of medicine.

Neither AnyQuestion nor its Experts provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment or otherwise provide professional healthcare services.

Dr. Justin Maykel, MD