Rectal bleeding, pain, itching, burning or a lump near the anus often cause anxiety. Many patients then ask themselves: “Is it just haemorrhoids, or something more serious — for example anal cancer?” In most cases, the cause turns out to be benign, but without an examination it is not possible to responsibly distinguish haemorrhoids from conditions that require more urgent diagnostics.
This article explains which symptoms are more typical of haemorrhoids, which should prompt earlier consultation and why it is not worth treating bleeding or a lump “blindly”. If you have bleeding, a lump, pain, itching, discharge or a change in bowel habits, book a proctology consultation in Gdańsk.
Author: Dr Kamil Smok, surgeon and proctologist | Medical review: Sara Godyńska, MD, proctologist | Publication date: 29.06.2026 | Last updated: 29.06.2026
Can the symptoms of haemorrhoids and anal cancer be similar?
Yes. This is the most important information for patients: symptoms of benign proctological conditions and symptoms of more serious diseases may overlap. Bleeding, itching, pain, a lump near the anus, a feeling of fullness, discharge or a change in bowel habits do not allow for a certain self-diagnosis.
The most common causes of symptoms are benign conditions such as haemorrhoids, anal fissure, perianal thrombosis, anal skin tags or skin inflammation. Even so, bleeding and lesions near the anus should not automatically be attributed to haemorrhoids. Without examination, it is possible to miss a disease that requires faster treatment or broader diagnostics.
Patients most often search for:
- “is it haemorrhoids or anal cancer”,
- “rectal bleeding or haemorrhoids”,
- “lump near the anus or cancer”,
- “anal cancer symptoms”,
- “haemorrhoids vs anal cancer differences”,
- “can haemorrhoids turn into cancer”.
“Patients often come in very worried that bleeding or a lump means cancer. In many cases, the cause is benign, but it first needs to be confirmed by examination. Symptoms around the anus should not be diagnosed on your own.”
— Dr Kamil Smok, surgeon and proctologist
Haemorrhoids — the most common cause of bleeding, itching and discomfort
Haemorrhoids, or enlarged haemorrhoidal cushions, are one of the most common causes of proctological symptoms. They may cause bleeding, itching, burning, a feeling of moisture, discomfort, prolapse of tissue or a feeling of incomplete bowel movement.
Typical symptoms of haemorrhoids include:
- bright red blood on toilet paper, stool or in the toilet bowl, most often during bowel movements,
- itching and burning around the anus,
- a feeling of a lump or prolapsing tissue,
- discomfort after prolonged sitting,
- a feeling of incomplete bowel movement,
- recurrent irritation around the anus.
Important: internal haemorrhoids alone often do not cause severe pain. Sudden, very severe pain and a hard bluish lump are more suggestive of perianal thrombosis, while burning pain during bowel movements may suggest an anal fissure.
If the main issue is chronic haemorrhoid symptoms, such as bleeding, itching, prolapsing lumps or recurrent discomfort, the appropriate page to explore this topic further is: haemorrhoid treatment in Gdańsk. This article focuses on the question: when should symptoms not be reduced only to haemorrhoids?
Anal cancer, rectal cancer and other more serious causes — what should you know?
Anal cancer and rectal cancer are different diseases, but from the patient’s perspective they may cause symptoms in the same area: bleeding, pain, a lump, a feeling of fullness, itching, discharge, a change in bowel habits or a feeling of incomplete bowel movement. In practice, the question is not only how to distinguish “haemorrhoids from anal cancer”, but more broadly — how to rule out diseases that require more urgent diagnostics.
Symptoms that may occur in anal cancer or other more serious conditions include:
- bleeding from the anus or rectum,
- a lump, thickening or mass near the anus,
- pain, pressure or a feeling of fullness in the anal area,
- itching, discharge or abnormal secretion,
- a change in bowel habits,
- stools that are clearly narrower than before,
- a feeling of incomplete bowel movement,
- weight loss, weakness or anaemia,
- enlarged lymph nodes in the groin.
These symptoms do not automatically mean cancer. They may result from many benign conditions. But if they occur, persist, worsen or recur, they require medical assessment.
Haemorrhoids or something more serious — symptom comparison
| Symptom | More common with haemorrhoids | Requires greater caution |
|---|---|---|
| Bleeding | bright red blood during bowel movements | recurrent bleeding, bleeding unrelated to stool, bleeding with anaemia or a change in bowel habits |
| Lump | soft, variable, appearing during straining | hard, growing, ulcerated, bleeding or non-healing |
| Pain | discomfort, pain with thrombosis or irritation | chronic, worsening pain associated with a lump or discharge |
| Itching and burning | common with haemorrhoids and skin irritation | itching with ulceration, discharge, bleeding or a growing lesion |
| General symptoms | usually absent | weight loss, anaemia, weakness, enlarged lymph nodes |
| Bowel habits | constipation may worsen haemorrhoids | new persistent change in bowel habits, narrowing of stool, urgency |
Important: this table is not intended for self-diagnosis. It only shows which symptoms require greater caution. A reliable diagnosis requires medical examination and sometimes anoscopy, rectoscopy, colonoscopy, imaging or biopsy.
Can haemorrhoids turn into cancer?
No. Haemorrhoids do not “turn into” anal cancer. They are different diseases. The problem, however, is that they may cause similar symptoms, especially bleeding, itching, discomfort and a feeling of a lump.
The greatest risk is not that haemorrhoids will become cancer, but that a patient treats every symptom as haemorrhoids for months and delays the diagnosis of another disease. That is why recurrent bleeding, a lump, unusual pain or a change in bowel habits should not be treated only with over-the-counter preparations.
Rectal bleeding — when should you not assume it is haemorrhoids?
Rectal bleeding is a symptom that should always be explained. Bright red blood during bowel movements does indeed often occur with haemorrhoids or an anal fissure. This does not mean, however, that every bleeding episode has a benign cause.
Earlier consultation is especially needed when bleeding:
- recurs or persists despite treatment,
- appears independently of bowel movements,
- is accompanied by a change in bowel habits,
- occurs together with abdominal pain, weight loss, weakness or anaemia,
- is associated with a lump, ulceration, discharge or secretion,
- appears for the first time in a person who has not previously had proctological problems,
- occurs in a person with a family history of colorectal or rectal cancer.
You can read more about this symptom here: rectal bleeding — causes and diagnostics.
A lump near the anus — haemorrhoid, thrombosis or a lesion requiring diagnostics?
A lump near the anus most often turns out to be benign: a haemorrhoid, perianal thrombosis, skin tag, inflammatory lesion or condyloma. However, this should not be assumed without examination.
It is especially worth seeing a proctologist when the lump:
- is hard, uneven or growing,
- bleeds, discharges or is ulcerated,
- does not disappear and persists despite treatment,
- causes increasing pain,
- is accompanied by itching, discharge or a feeling of fullness,
- appeared together with a change in bowel habits or weight loss.
More about differentiating such lesions is available here: lump near the anus — causes.
Anal pain — when is it concerning?
Anal pain may have many causes. Sudden, very severe pain and a hard bluish lump often suggest perianal thrombosis. Burning pain during bowel movements may fit an anal fissure. Increasing, throbbing pain with fever and swelling may suggest a perianal abscess.
Greater caution is needed with pain that:
- is chronic and worsening,
- is accompanied by a hard or growing lump,
- occurs with bleeding, discharge or ulceration,
- is associated with fever, weakness or enlarged groin lymph nodes,
- does not improve despite treatment,
- wakes the patient at night or keeps worsening.
More about this symptom: anal pain when sitting — causes.
What does proctological diagnostics look like?
The basis is a proctology consultation. The doctor begins with a conversation: they ask about the type of symptoms, duration, bleeding, pain, lump, itching, bowel movements, chronic diseases, medications, family history and previous tests.
The examination may include:
- inspection of the anal area,
- palpation,
- digital rectal examination, if indicated and possible,
- anoscopy, i.e. assessment of the anal canal and final part of the rectum,
- discussion whether further diagnostics are needed, such as rectoscopy, colonoscopy, imaging or biopsy.
If the doctor sees an atypical, ulcerated, hard, bleeding or non-healing lesion, they may recommend further diagnostics or referral to an appropriate centre. If cancer is suspected, confirmation of the diagnosis by histopathological examination, i.e. assessment of sampled tissue, is crucial.
“The point is not to treat every symptom as cancer. The point is not to miss situations in which bleeding, a lump or pain require broader diagnostics than haemorrhoid ointment.”
— Sara Godyńska, MD, proctologist
When should you see a doctor?
It is worth seeing a proctologist whenever a symptom is new, recurrent, worsening or worrying. In particular, it is not worth delaying consultation if bleeding, a lump or pain makes everyday functioning difficult.
Book a consultation if:
- rectal bleeding appears,
- you feel a lump near the anus,
- you have pain, itching, burning or discharge,
- symptoms recur despite treatment,
- the lesion grows, bleeds, ulcerates or does not heal,
- there is a change in bowel habits,
- a feeling of incomplete bowel movement appears,
- there is unintentional weight loss, anaemia or weakness,
- you have enlarged lymph nodes in the groin,
- you are not sure whether it is haemorrhoids, thrombosis, fissure, wart, condyloma or another lesion.
In case of heavy bleeding, black stools, fainting, severe abdominal pain, high fever or rapid deterioration of general condition, urgent medical help may be needed.
Who can you see at Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej?
At Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej in Gdańsk, proctology consultations are provided by doctors dealing with diagnosis and treatment of anal and rectal diseases. A patient with bleeding, a lump, pain, itching, burning, discharge or a concerning lesion near the anus can book an appointment with:
- Sara Godyńska, MD, proctologist,
- Justyna Szul, MD, proctologist,
- Dr Kamil Smok, surgeon and proctologist.
The visit takes place in calm conditions, with respect for intimacy and without judgement. The goal is to determine the cause of symptoms, reassure the patient if the lesion is benign, or quickly refer for further diagnostics if the picture requires greater caution.
Frequently asked questions
Can haemorrhoids turn into cancer?
No. Haemorrhoids and anal cancer are different diseases. The problem is that they may cause similar symptoms, so bleeding, a lump or chronic pain should not be diagnosed on your own.
Does rectal bleeding always mean cancer?
No. The most common causes are benign conditions such as haemorrhoids or anal fissure. Even so, any recurrent, new or unexplained bleeding should be discussed with a doctor.
Does anal cancer hurt?
It may hurt, but it does not always cause severe symptoms at the beginning. It may cause bleeding, a lump, itching, discharge, a feeling of pressure or a change in bowel habits. Such symptoms require medical assessment.
Can I tell haemorrhoids from anal cancer by myself?
No, this cannot be done reliably on your own. Symptoms may overlap. Diagnosis requires a proctological examination and sometimes anoscopy, colonoscopy, biopsy or other diagnostics.
What type of blood is more typical of haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids often cause bright red blood associated with bowel movements. However, this is not a rule that safely excludes other diseases. Recurrent bleeding requires diagnostics.
Does a lump near the anus always mean haemorrhoids?
No. A lump may be a haemorrhoid, perianal thrombosis, skin tag, condyloma, inflammation or another lesion. If the lump grows, bleeds, hurts, is hard or does not heal, consultation is needed.
Which proctologist should I see in Gdańsk?
At Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, consultations are provided by Sara Godyńska, MD, Justyna Szul, MD and Dr Kamil Smok. You can start with a proctology consultation in Gdańsk.
Bleeding, a lump or pain near the anus?
Do not assume it is definitely haemorrhoids. A proctologist will assess the symptoms, perform an examination and decide whether further diagnostics are needed.
Book a proctology consultation →Summary
Haemorrhoids are one of the most common causes of bleeding, itching, burning and discomfort around the anus. They are not cancer and they do not turn into cancer. The problem, however, is that some symptoms of haemorrhoids may resemble symptoms of anal cancer, rectal cancer or other diseases requiring more urgent diagnostics.
The safest approach is simple: do not panic, but do not ignore symptoms either. Rectal bleeding, a lump, chronic pain, discharge, itching, a change in bowel habits, weight loss, anaemia or an unusual lesion near the anus should be assessed by a doctor.
If you are wondering whether it is haemorrhoids or something more serious, book a proctology consultation in Gdańsk. Examination often helps quickly clarify the cause of symptoms and choose the right management.
Read also
- Proctology consultation in Gdańsk
- Proctologist Gdańsk — diagnosis and treatment of anal diseases
- Rectal bleeding — causes and diagnostics
- Lump near the anus — what can it mean?
- Anal pain when sitting — causes
- Perianal thrombosis — symptoms and treatment
- Anoscopy — proctological examination
- Haemorrhoid treatment in Gdańsk
Sources and medical context:
- National Cancer Institute — Anal Cancer Symptoms
- American Cancer Society — Signs and Symptoms of Anal Cancer
- NICE NG12 — Suspected cancer: recognition and referral
- American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons — Management of Hemorrhoids, 2024
- Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej — proctology consultation in Gdańsk
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical consultation. Rectal bleeding, a lump, pain, itching, discharge, ulceration, change in bowel habits, anaemia, unintentional weight loss, enlarged lymph nodes or deterioration of general condition require individual medical assessment.