Colon Polyps vs. Hemorrhoids: How to Tell the Difference

Colon polyps and hemorrhoids can both cause rectal bleeding, but they’re two very different problems that require specific types of treatment. Understanding the differences between these two conditions is important for your health now and in the future.

As a leading gastroenterology practice in Moline, Illinois, and Bettendorf, Iowa, Digestive Disease Specialists offers innovative treatments for both colon polyps and hemorrhoids. In this post, our team offers a brief overview of both polyps and hemorrhoids to help you understand the differences and why early diagnosis is so important.

What to know about colon polyps

Colon polyps are fleshy growths that form on the lining of your colon or rectum. While many polyps are benign (noncancerous), some are malignant (cancerous). Having a colonoscopy is a great way to spot polyps early, ideally before they have a chance to cause complications.

Polyps aren’t uncommon — about a third of people over age 50 have them. While they become more common as we get older, they can form in kids too. In addition to older age, colon polyps tend to be associated with risk factors like:

• Smoking
• Eating a high-fat diet
• Eating too little fiber
• Drinking too much alcohol

They’re also more common among people with a family history of polyps or colorectal cancer.

Symptoms of polyps include rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, belly pain, and blood in your stool. Most polyps cause no symptoms until they grow larger.

What to know about hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are also very common, affecting millions of women and men in the United States. While a polyp is a fleshy growth of tissue, a hemorrhoid is a swollen blood vessel located either inside your rectum (internal hemorrhoids) or just outside the anal opening (external hemorrhoids). 

Hemorrhoids tend to occur most commonly among people between 45-55 years of age, but they’re also associated with risk factors like:

• Spending a lot of time on your feet
• Spending a lot of time sitting 
• Pregnancy
• Chronic constipation or chronic straining during bowel movements
• Obesity
• Low-fiber diet
• Anal sex

Like colon polyps, hemorrhoids also tend to run in families.

Hemorrhoid symptoms include rectal pain, itching, or burning, bright red blood when wiping or in the toilet bowl, a palpable lump near your anus, and pain during bowel movements.

Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to significant pain, especially if a clot forms inside the hemorrhoid. Rarely, a hemorrhoid can become strangulated, leading to serious complications.

Diagnosing and treating polyps and hemorrhoids

Colon polyps and hemorrhoids can both cause bleeding, but they differ in where they’re located and what causes them. One of the major differences is that, unlike hemorrhoids, colon polyps can be cancerous.

Fortunately, both hemorrhoids and polyps can be diagnosed by our team, and the earlier they’re diagnosed, the better for your health. 

Bottom line: If you have any unusual symptoms like rectal pain, bleeding, belly pain, or changes in bowel habits, seeking medical care right away is the best way to ensure you receive the care you need to feel better and prevent serious problems. 

To find out what’s causing your symptoms and how we can help, book an appointment online or over the phone with Digestive Disease Specialists today.