Is colon cancer related to hemorrhoids in any way? Are hemorrhoids a sign of colon cancer, or can they become cancerous?

Alexa

Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins located just under the skin in the lower rectum and anus. They can become inflamed, leading to itching and discomfort, especially during a bowel movement. They can also thrombose (clot), causing severe pain. Hemorrhoids can also bleed, and such bleeding is what often brings them to the attention of patients and doctors.

Many colonoscopies are done for rectal bleeding. The reason for these exams is not simply to diagnose hemorrhoidal bleeding, but to rule out more serious causes of bleeding such as colon cancer. Colon cancer often causes no symptoms early on. However, later symptoms include bleeding from the rectum, constipation, a change in bowel habits and fatigue because of anemia due to bleeding. Thus, it is important not to assume that rectal bleeding stems from hemorrhoids until other causes of bleeding have been ruled out.

To answer your question, there is no known association between hemorrhoids and colon cancer, so hemorrhoids are not a sign of colon cancer. In addition, there is no risk of hemorrhoids becoming cancerous. Unlike hemorrhoids, which involve the veins, colon cancer begins as a small polyp in the lining of the colon.