Haemorrhoids are a common condition, affecting millions of people worldwide. They cause symptoms like pain, itching, and bleeding around the anal area. Because some of these symptoms can overlap with more serious conditions, many people wonder whether haemorrhoids could be a warning sign of cancer. Understanding the differences between benign haemorrhoids and more serious conditions is important for early detection and peace of mind, shares Dr Amita Jain, a leading laparoscopic surgeon and one of the best specialist doctors for piles treatment and surgery in Delhi and India.
Can haemorrhoids indicate cancer?
While haemorrhoids are usually harmless, certain symptoms may signal something more serious. Haemorrhoids themselves are not cancerous, but bleeding, pain, or changes in bowel habits should be carefully evaluated, especially if they are persistent or unusual.
Persistent Bleeding
Regular bleeding from the rectal area may be a symptom of haemorrhoids, but if it is ongoing, occurs without straining, or is accompanied by other changes in stool, it could indicate colorectal cancer. Early evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential.
Change in Bowel Habits
Experiencing sudden constipation, diarrhoea, or changes in stool consistency that do not improve over time should be carefully assessed. Such changes, especially in individuals over 50, may signal underlying issues beyond haemorrhoids.
Unexplained Pain or Lumps
Severe pain, lumps that do not subside, or bleeding accompanied by weight loss or fatigue should prompt immediate consultation with a doctor. These could be warning signs of a more serious condition, including cancer.
How to distinguish haemorrhoids from more serious conditions?
Differentiating between benign haemorrhoids and warning signs of cancer requires careful observation, timely evaluation, and sometimes medical tests.
Medical Evaluation
Consulting a gastroenterologist or colorectal specialist is the first step. A proper examination can confirm whether symptoms are due to haemorrhoids or a more serious condition.
Diagnostic Tests
Tests such as colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or imaging may be recommended if symptoms are persistent, severe, or atypical. These tests help detect cancer or other gastrointestinal conditions early.
Monitoring Symptoms
Keeping track of bleeding patterns, pain, stool consistency, and any additional symptoms helps both patients and doctors identify potential warning signs early.
Lifestyle and Prevention
Maintaining a high-fibre diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding prolonged straining during bowel movements can prevent haemorrhoids and reduce complications. While these steps do not prevent cancer, they promote overall gut health and can reduce anxiety about symptoms.
Haemorrhoids are common and usually harmless, but persistent bleeding, changes in bowel habits, and unexplained pain should never be ignored. While most cases are benign, these symptoms may sometimes indicate more serious conditions, including colorectal cancer. Consulting a qualified doctor like Dr. Amita Jain for proper evaluation, monitoring symptoms carefully, and undergoing recommended tests are key steps in differentiating between haemorrhoids and potential warning signs of cancer. Early detection ensures better outcomes and peace of mind.
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Dr Amita Jain is one of India’s most distinguished and experienced senior surgeons who has conducted more than 1,00,000 successful surgeries, and has covered a wide spectrum of general and minimally invasive procedures. Dr Amita Jain is refered as the pioneer surgeon in the fields of Gallbladder stone removal surgery, appendix removal surgery, hernia repair surgery, Pilonidal Sinus treatments, varicose vein and piles surgery, fistula surgery and fissure surgeries.
With an outstanding career spanning over 29 years, Dr Amita Jain has earned her place among the top General and Laparoscopic surgeons in Delhi and India, known for her precision, compassion, and consistent surgical excellence. She was the Professor of Surgery at the Army College of Medical Sciences and Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt. In 1994, she was commissioned as a surgeon under the United Nations Mission in Congo.
Dr Amita Jain currently serves as the Head of Department and Senior Consultant for General, Laparoscopic and Trauma Surgery at Artemis Lite Hospital, Rosewalk – Luxury Maternity Hospital in Delhi (Panchsheel Park, Delhi) and Rainbow Children Hospitals (Malviya Nagar, Delhi).