Is it colon cancer or hemorrhoids? This pizza topping trick can help differentiate

Though Hemorrhoids and colon cancer affect the rectum and colon, and even share similar symptoms, the two are different conditions. With many of their symptoms overlapping, Hemorrhoids and colon cancer are mostly confused with each other.

Key differences between hemorrhoids and colon cancer

UK surgeon and TikTok enthusiast Dr Karan Raj recently shared a video distinguishing a common hemorrhoid symptom and indication of colon cancer. The clip is now going viral on all social media platforms.
Explaining the difference between the two, Dr Kiran Raj applied red dots to toilet paper mimicking what Hemorrhoids look like. He used the red food colour and poured it empty into a toilet bowl and showed that it is the external bleeding and how it looks red in colour, whereas he explained that in the case of colon cancer it is dark red blood that comes out because of internal bleeding.

Dr Raj also compared Hemorrhoid blood to a pizza topping and mentioned that colon cancer blood is a topping baked in the dough and differentiated Hemorrhoid as cheese slice on top and Colon cancer as the cheese cooked inside the crust.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen muscle veins in the anus caused by pressure. It is because of the strained bowel movements, prolonged sitting and even pregnancy. Hemorrhoids cause both internal and external bleeding which is typically painless. However, the skin around the anus can cause itching, swelling and mild pain.

Hemorrhoids can be easily treated with lifestyle and high-fiber diet. In severe cases, medical procedures such as sclerotherapy or minor surgeries are enough to cure it.

Colon cancer

Also known as colorectal cancer, it develops near the large intestine and rectum and is a very serious condition. Colon cancer begins as a small and benign polyps and it becomes cancerous over time. However, the cause of colon cancer is not clear as it affects all ages keeping aside certain genetic conditions.
The symptoms of colon cancer overlap with hemorrhoids often causing confusion between the two. However with cancer, there is persistent abdominal pain, bloating, unexplained weight loss and fatigue. Early detection of cancer is identified through colonoscopies and the treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
While hemorrhoids can affect anyone of any age, colon cancer is a common risk factor for people above the age of 50.