The difference between rectal polyps and internal hemorrhoids

Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on September 28, 2024
00:00
00:00

Rectal polyps are skin-like mucosal protrusions that grow on the rectal mucosa, whereas internal hemorrhoids are confined to congestion and protrusion of the mucosa around the dentate line. The formation of rectal polyps is mainly due to long-term stimulation by feces, or certain constitutional and genetic factors, while the most likely cause of internal hemorrhoids is chronic congestion and edema around the anal area or the formation of venous thrombosis, leading to local varicose clusters. After the discovery of rectal polyps, it is necessary to perform surgery as soon as possible; however, the treatment for internal hemorrhoids in the early stages is primarily conservative, aimed at delaying the frequency of disease attacks and improving the quality of life for the patient. If the internal hemorrhoids reach a later stage or become severe, manifested by recurrent prolapse and rectal bleeding, surgical removal is recommended.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
44sec home-news-image

Is bleeding from hemorrhoids internal hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids causing blood in the stool are mostly due to internal hemorrhoids, which are a manifestation of varicose veins in the hemorrhoidal veins. During defecation, because the stool is rather dry and hard, it can easily scratch the hemorrhoidal veins as it moves downward. Due to internal hemorrhoids, the hemorrhoidal veins become distended and the vein walls become very thin, making them easily damaged, thus leading to bleeding. Minor cases may involve blood during defecation or dripping blood, while more severe cases can present with spraying blood during bowel movements. Depending on the amount of bleeding, one should choose treatments such as medications, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
43sec home-news-image

Do internal hemorrhoids definitely require surgery?

Internal hemorrhoids bleeding does not necessarily require surgical treatment; conservative treatment is also an option. The main clinical symptom of internal hemorrhoids is bleeding, which can vary in amount and is generally bright red. Treatment for internal hemorrhoids mainly includes conservative treatment and surgical treatment. For first and second-degree internal hemorrhoid bleeding, conservative treatment can be adopted, which involves ensuring that stools are smooth, soft, and well-formed, reducing irritation to the anal area. Secondly, some hemostatic medications can be taken. Surgical treatment is primarily targeted at third and fourth-degree internal hemorrhoids.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
40sec home-news-image

How to completely treat internal hemorrhoids?

In recent years, there have been numerous treatment methods for internal hemorrhoids, primarily divided into non-surgical and surgical treatments. Non-surgical treatment mainly involves conservative management, which generally includes measures such as increasing the intake of vegetables and fruits, maintaining smooth bowel movements, and using medications or applying ointments locally. Surgical treatment mainly includes injection therapy and excision of the hemorrhoidal nodes. For a complete cure, surgical treatment is typically required, which involves thoroughly removing the pathological hemorrhoidal nodes. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
54sec home-news-image

Is bleeding from internal hemorrhoids serious?

Bleeding from internal hemorrhoids, also known as rectal bleeding, is a common primary symptom in patients with internal hemorrhoids. Although the bleeding from internal hemorrhoids is painless and not itchy, it occurs during bowel movements and can be either a trickle or a spray of blood. Although the amount of bleeding might not be large and may subside naturally, in clinical practice, we have seen a minority of patients with long-term chronic bleeding leading to severe anemia. For example, the normal hemoglobin level in adults should be 120g/L, but at the time of consultation, their hemoglobin has dropped to 30, 40, or 50g/L. Treatment then requires an initial blood transfusion followed by surgery, which can be quite complicated. Therefore, bleeding from internal hemorrhoids should be taken seriously.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
1min 12sec home-news-image

The difference between rectal prolapse and internal hemorrhoids prolapse

Rectal prolapse primarily refers to the prolapse of the rectal mucosa or part of the sigmoid colon mucosa, partially or completely falling out of the anus. Generally, there is a ring-shaped or cylindrical mucosa protrusion outside the anus. Internal hemorrhoid prolapse involves the partial prolapse of the mucosa near the dentate line, typically appearing as small lumps or accompanied by local venous thrombosis and varicose clusters, with rectal prolapse being more severe than internal hemorrhoid prolapse. The treatment of rectal prolapse mainly involves surgery, while early stages of internal hemorrhoid prolapse can be treated with medications. This involves using topical hemorrhoid creams or suppositories to alleviate symptoms. If there are recurrent prolapses or accompanying bleeding during bowel movements, surgical treatment may also be considered. Surgical methods for rectal prolapse primarily involve local mucosal ring excision, whereas surgeries for internal hemorrhoids mainly include hemorrhoid ligation or banding procedures.