What are the differences between anal polyps and hemorrhoids?

Jul 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Li Jingxiang

Introduction

In general, anal polyps and hemorrhoids are two distinct anorectal diseases, with main differences including the nature of the lesion, location of growth, symptom presentation, morphological appearance, and risk of malignancy. In daily life, it is important to maintain anal hygiene, avoid prolonged sitting or standing, develop regular bowel habits, and reduce the risk of developing anorectal diseases.

Generally speaking, anal polyps and hemorrhoids are two distinct anorectal diseases, differing mainly in lesion characteristics, growth location, symptom presentation, morphological appearance, and risk of malignancy. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Different lesion characteristics: Anal polyps are benign outgrowths formed by excessive proliferation of mucosal cells, presenting as elevated lesions on the surface of the rectal or anal mucosa. Hemorrhoids are venous clusters formed by congestion, dilation, and tortuosity of the venous plexus beneath the skin of the lower rectum or anal canal, essentially representing abnormal vascular dilation rather than hyperplastic outgrowths.

2. Different growth locations: Anal polyps mainly grow on the rectal or anal mucosa, relatively higher in position, sometimes pedunculated and slightly mobile during defecation; hemorrhoids are classified into internal hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoids, and mixed hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids are located beneath the mucosa above the dentate line, external hemorrhoids are located beneath the skin below the dentate line, while mixed hemorrhoids span both above and below the dentate line, closer to the anal margin.

3. Different symptom presentations: The main symptom of anal polyps is painless rectal bleeding, with blood typically adhering to the surface of stool without mixing, and larger polyps may prolapse from the anus during defecation, usually without pain. The main symptoms of hemorrhoids include rectal bleeding, anal itching, and pain. If prolapsed internal hemorrhoids cannot be reduced, they may become incarcerated or edematous, causing severe pain.

4. Different morphological appearances: Anal polyps are usually round or oval in shape, smooth-surfaced, with color similar to or slightly redder than surrounding mucosa, soft in texture, and often pedunculated connecting to the mucosa. Hemorrhoids appear as irregularly shaped masses; internal hemorrhoids are covered with mucosa, appearing bright red or dark red, while external hemorrhoids are covered with skin, matching the color of the perianal skin, soft in texture with an elastic feel upon palpation.

5. Different risks of malignancy: Anal polyps carry a certain risk of malignancy, especially adenomatous polyps, which may develop into rectal cancer if left untreated long-term, with the risk varying according to polyp size and type. Hemorrhoids are benign lesions that do not undergo malignant transformation; even with long-term presence or recurrent episodes, they may only cause worsening symptoms without turning into malignant tumors.

In daily life, it is important to maintain anal hygiene, avoid prolonged sitting or standing, develop regular bowel habits, and reduce the risk of anorectal diseases. If symptoms such as rectal bleeding or prolapse occur, initial differentiation can be made by observing symptom characteristics, providing a reference for understanding one's own condition.

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Is it effective to apply tea seed oil on hemorrhoids?

In general, tea oil cannot cure hemorrhoids and may only provide limited relief in the early stages. If bleeding or pain persists for more than one week or progressively worsens, medical attention should be sought immediately. A specialist can then evaluate the condition and recommend appropriate treatments, such as suppositories or ointments containing local anesthetics, steroids, or vasoconstrictors, or perform minimally invasive procedures or surgery. Tea oil can only serve as a temporary adjunct and should not replace proper medical treatment.

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What should I do if my hemorrhoids bleed every time I have a bowel movement?

Defecation usually refers to bowel movement. In general, rectal bleeding immediately after defecation may be caused by factors such as stool friction against hemorrhoidal tissue, increased abdominal pressure during bowel movements, prolapse of internal hemorrhoids, incarcerated mixed hemorrhoids, or thrombosed external hemorrhoids. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through conservative management, medication, surgical treatment, or other appropriate methods.

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What should I do if I have bleeding during bowel movements due to internal hemorrhoids?

In general, the treatment methods for bleeding internal hemorrhoids mainly include conservative management, local medication, oral drug therapy, physical therapy, and surgical treatment. In addition, patients should follow medical advice for standardized treatment and undergo regular follow-up examinations. If abnormal conditions such as heavy or persistent bleeding occur, timely medical consultation is necessary to adjust the treatment plan.

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What could be the reason for a lump growing near the anus?

The term "butt hole" usually refers to the anus. Common causes of a lump near the anus include prolonged sitting and pressure, dietary irritation, external hemorrhoids, perianal abscess, rectal prolapse, etc. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, avoid prolonged sitting or standing, engage in appropriate physical activity, maintain a light diet, and prevent constipation.