What is the difference between a polyp and a diverticulum?
A polyp is a solid growth which arises from the lining tissue of the esophagus, stomach, small bowel or large bowel (colon). It may appear as a flat or round bump on the lining tissue, or it may be raised up on a stalk to look like a mushroom. A diverticulum is a sac which protrudes from the stomach or intestinal wall. See the discussion in the previous paragraph. What is a hemorrhoid? A hemorrhoid is a dilated or varicose vein which arises in the rectal area. When the vein becomes stretched, it may rupture; this results in hemorrhage. Bleeding from hemorrhoids more commonly is minor, and the blood appears as spots on the toilet tissue rather than turning the entire toilet bowl red. The blood in the hemorrhoid may stagnate, resulting in thrombosis (clotting); a thrombosed hemorrhoid can be quite painful. What is the difference between an internal and an external hemorrhoid? The junction between the skin of the anus and the glandular tissue is called the “Z line”. Hemorrhoids which aris
