Sometimes anorectal disorders are also serious symptoms of anal cancer. For instance, hemorrhoids and rectal bleeding are also colon cancer symptoms. For patients experiencing any anorectal issues, Florida Hospital specialists can diagnose the symptoms to be sure they aren’t indicating a more serious condition.

Other symptoms of anorectal disorders include:

• Fatigue
• Pale skin
• Rectal bleeding
• Hemorrhoids
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea, vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss
• Constipation
• Painful bowel movements
• Rectal pain
• Anal itching
• A lump or warts near the anus
• A change in bowel habits
• Anemia
• Painless bleeding
• Constant feeling of needed to have a bowel movement

When experiencing any of these symptoms, Florida Hospital physicians recommend patients to seek medical treatment to ensure the condition is healed correctly.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins in the lower part of the anus and rectum. When the walls of these vessels are stretched, they become irritated.
Although hemorrhoids can be unpleasant and painful, they are easily treated and very preventable. As hemorrhoids generally get worse over time, doctors suggest that they should be treated as soon as they appear.

Fast facts on hemorrhoids

• Here are some key points about hemorrhoids. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.
• Women are more likely to get hemorrhoids while pregnant.
• The likelihood of developing hemorrhoids increases as a person ages.
• Hemorrhoids occur when the veins surrounding the anus are engorged or enlarged.
• Sometimes, medicines and surgery are needed to treat hemorrhoids.

Causes

Enlargement of the veins around the anus causes hemorrhoids.

They can occur for the following reasons:

Pregnancy: They occur more commonly in pregnant women because, as the uterus enlarges, it presses on the vein in the colon, causing it to bulge.

Aging: Hemorrhoids are most common among adults aged 45 to 65 years. This does not mean, however, that young people and children do not get them.

Diarrhea: Hemorrhoids can occur after cases of chronic diarrhea.

Chronic constipation: Straining to move stool puts additional pressure on the walls of the blood vessels.

Sitting for too long: Staying in a seated position for long periods of time can cause hemorrhoids, especially on the toilet.

Heavy lifting: Repeatedly lifting heavy objects can lead to hemorrhoids.

Anal intercourse: This can cause new hemorrhoids or worsen existing ones.

Obesity: Diet-related obesity can cause hemorrhoids.

Genetics: Some people inherit a tendency to develop hemorrhoids.

Surgery

Surgery may involve a complete removal of the hemorrhoids, known as a hemorrhoidectomy.

It may also involve stapling, where a prolapsed hemorrhoid is tacked back into place. These procedures are performed under general anesthesia, and most people can go home on the same day as the surgery.

What is stapled hemorrhoidectomy?

Stapled hemorrhoidectomy is surgical technique for treating hemorrhoids, and is the treatment of choice for third-degree hemorrhoids (hemorrhoids that protrude with straining and can be seen on physical exam outside the anal verge. Persistent or intermittent manual reduction is necessary). Stapled hemorrhoidectomy is a misnomer since the surgery does not remove the hemorrhoids but, rather, the abnormally lax and expanded hemorrhoidal supporting tissue that has allowed the hemorrhoids to prolapse downward.

For stapled hemorrhoidectomy, a circular, hollow tube is inserted into the anal canal. Through this tube, a suture (a long thread) is placed, actually woven, circumferentially within the anal canal above the internal hemorrhoids. The ends of the suture are brought out of the anus through the hollow tube. The stapler (a disposable instrument with a circular stapling device at the end) is placed through the first hollow tube and the ends of the suture are pulled. Pulling the suture pulls the expanded hemorrhoidal supporting tissue into the jaws of the stapler. The hemorrhoidal cushions are pulled back up into their normal position within the anal canal. The stapler then is fired. When it fires, the stapler cuts off the circumferential ring of expanded hemorrhoidal tissue trapped within the stapler and at the same time staples together the upper and lower edges of the cut tissue.