Bright red bleeding
On the toilet paper, in the bowl or at the end of a bowel movement.
Board-certified · Minutes from San Diego
Hemorrhoid & colonoscopy specialist in Tijuana
Dr. Juan Salazar Priego, an English-speaking colorectal surgeon, treats hemorrhoids according to their stage and performs colonoscopies to catch colon cancer early. No-taboo care: no embarrassment, no rush and clear answers.
- 4.9 on Google · 400+ reviews
- 560+ reviews on Doctoralia
- Board-certified colorectal surgeon
No-taboo careA safe, judgment-free space
Mon–Fri 8 am–8 pmSaturdays 9 am–4:30 pm
4.9 on Google400+ real reviews
+15
Years in medicine
+1,000
Surgeries performed
4.9
Google rating
3
Locations in Tijuana
01Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoid treatment in Tijuana
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum. They are very common —about half of adults over 50 have them— and most can be treated without surgery.
What doesn't help is waiting it out: the longer you wait, the more discomfort and the fewer simple options. We review your case calmly and explain every alternative.
Most common symptoms
Pain, burning or itching
Anal discomfort that gets worse during bowel movements or after sitting for long periods.
A lump that comes out
A small bulge that appears when you strain and sometimes goes back in on its own… and sometimes doesn't.
Swelling when sitting
A feeling of pressure, swelling or of not fully emptying your bowels.
Sound familiar? Getting checked early makes a difference.
Message us on WhatsAppA treatment for every stage
Every case is different. Treatment is decided during your visit, after a quick and respectful exam.
Medical management
Changes in diet, fiber and hydration, bathroom habits and medication to reduce swelling and relieve symptoms. Often enough in early cases.
In-office procedures
Minimally invasive techniques for internal hemorrhoids that bleed or prolapse. No hospital stay and a quick return to your routine.
Specialized surgery
For advanced or thrombosed hemorrhoids, or those that don't improve with other treatments. Performed in a hospital by a board-certified colorectal surgeon, with a clear recovery and pain-control plan.
02No-taboo care
Hemorrhoids or something else?: Symptoms that can be confused with colon cancer
Hemorrhoids do not turn into cancer. But polyps and colon cancer can also bleed, and in early stages they rarely cause other symptoms. That's why bleeding should never be assumed: it should be checked.
| Symptom | Usually hemorrhoids | Worth ruling out more |
|---|---|---|
| Bleeding | Bright red, on the paper or dripping at the end of a bowel movement. | Dark blood, mixed with stool, or black stools. |
| Bowel habits | No major changes; sometimes constipation. | Changes lasting weeks: diarrhea, new constipation or narrower stools. |
| Pain | Local, in the anus, during bowel movements or when sitting. | Persistent abdominal pain or cramping, or a constant feeling of incomplete emptying. |
| General symptoms | None. | Unexplained weight loss, fatigue or anemia. |
| Course | Improves with treatment. | Persists or returns despite treatment. |
Guidance only
Your guidance
Check one or more symptoms to see instant guidance.
Send on WhatsAppThis tool is for guidance only: it does not replace a medical consultation and is not a diagnosis.
Warning signs: don't ignore them
- 1Bleeding that lasts more than a week or keeps coming back
- 2Dark blood or black stools
- 3A change in bowel habits lasting several weeks
- 4Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
- 5Being 45 or older and never having been screened
- 6Close relatives with colon cancer or polyps
I want to get checked
Catching it early isn't about fear: it's about taking care of yourself.
03Prevention
Colonoscopy in Tijuana: Colon cancer prevention and early detection
A colonoscopy is the most complete exam of the inside of the colon. It allows polyps to be found and removed during the same procedure, before they have a chance to become cancer. It doesn't just detect: it prevents.
≈90%
5-year survival rate when colon cancer is found at a localized stage.
Source: American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer statistics.Who should get a colonoscopy?
- Adults 45 and older, even without symptoms.
- People with relatives who had colon cancer or polyps (earlier, as advised by your doctor).
- Anyone with rectal bleeding, anemia or unexplained changes in bowel habits.
- Patients with a history of polyps, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.
- Anyone with a positive stool test (FIT or Cologuard).
How it works
No surprises: we explain every step before, during and after the exam.
- Step 01
Consultation
We review your symptoms and history, and explain whether the exam is right for you and why.
- Step 02
Preparation
You receive clear instructions on diet and the bowel prep to clean the colon the day before.
- Step 03
The exam
Performed in a hospital, usually under sedation, and typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. You'll need a companion.
- Step 04
Results
We explain the findings the same day. If polyps were removed or biopsies taken, we review the pathology results together.
04Your doctor
Dr. Juan Salazar Priego: Colorectal and gastrointestinal surgeon in Tijuana
With more than 15 years in medicine and advanced training in colon, rectal and anal surgery at UNAM (Mexico's National University), Dr. Salazar combines minimally invasive surgical technique with warm, human, judgment-free care.
His office is a safe space to talk about what feels awkward: he explains every detail, answers all your questions and stays with you before, during and after every procedure. He treats everyone with the same respect, including the LGBTQ+ community, in English and Spanish.
Your health deserves a conversation built on trust.
- 2009Doctor of MedicineUniversidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC)
- 2015General Surgery residencyUniversidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco (UJAT)
- 2017Fellowship in Colon, Rectal and Anal SurgeryUniversidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)
- 2017Board-certified in ColoproctologyMexican Board of Coloproctology Specialists (Consejo Mexicano de Especialistas en Coloproctología)
- 2018Board-certified in General SurgeryMexican Board of General Surgery (Consejo Mexicano de Cirugía General)
05General & GI surgery
More of Dr. Salazar's specialties
Beyond colorectal care, Dr. Salazar performs general and advanced laparoscopic surgery in Tijuana with minimally invasive techniques: less pain, smaller scars and a faster recovery.
Gallbladder surgery
Laparoscopic treatment of gallstones with minimal pain and a fast recovery.
Hernia repair
Inguinal, umbilical and hiatal hernias with safe, minimally invasive technique.
Bariatric surgery
Gastric sleeve and gastric bypass for lasting weight loss and better metabolic health.
Proctology & colon
Fissures, fistulas, abscesses, diverticular disease and colon surgery.
Advanced laparoscopy
Minimally invasive surgery with less pain, small scars and a quick return to your routine.
Emergency surgery
Appendicitis, complicated hernias and abdominal emergencies with immediate care.
- Endoscopy
- Colostomy & ileostomy reversal
- Comprehensive colon cancer care
- Thyroid surgery
- Laparoscopic hysterectomy & ovarian surgery
“Excelente cirujano. Me operaron de urgencia y el que me operó fue el Dr. Juan Salazar. La recuperación fue tal como él mencionó: sin dolor y rápida.”
“Excelente profesional, pero sobre todo, una persona con una gran calidad humana. Gracias por la paciencia y por explicarme cada detalle con tanta claridad. Transmite mucha paz y confianza.”
“Gracias, doctor, por el seguimiento a mi salud y por brindarme confianza desde la primera consulta. Sin duda, hace una gran diferencia sentirse en tan buenas manos.”
“Buena explicación por parte del médico: me dio detalles sobre el padecimiento, por qué se genera y me dio los pasos a seguir.”
“Un doctor muy profesional. Hizo una cirugía complicada, pero con el mejor resultado posible, y fue muy atento con mi madre durante todo el proceso antes y después de la cirugía.”
“Excelente atención, súper recomendado. Explica todo a detalle. Muy agradecida con usted, doctor.”
“Excelente doctor, súper recomendado: muy atento y humano en su trato. Operó a mi papá y responde todas nuestras dudas a cualquier hora del día.”
“Excelente atención durante todo mi proceso: citas, revisiones y hasta el momento de mi cirugía. A días de mi cirugía de vesícula me siento muy bien. Gracias.”
Real reviews posted on Google by Dr. Salazar's patients, shown in their original Spanish.
07Where to find us
Offices in Tijuana
Main office at CORE Medical & Surgery Center on Blvd. Padre Kino, just minutes from the San Ysidro border crossing. Dr. Salazar also sees patients at New City Medical Plaza and Hospital Bethel by appointment.
CORE Medical & Surgery Center
Blvd. Padre Kino 10014, Col. Cuauhtémoc, 22000 Tijuana, B.C., MexicoNew City Medical Plaza
Paseo del Centenario 9580, office 2208, Zona Urbana Río Tijuana, 22010 Tijuana, B.C., MexicoHospital Bethel
Blvd. Hermenegildo Galeana 22412, Torres de Matamoros, 22206 Tijuana, B.C., MexicoInteractive map
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08Pricing & insurance
Consultation fee & insurance
Initial consultation
$1,200MXN
Mexican pesos. Includes medical history, exam and a treatment plan explained calmly. Follow-up visit: $900 MXN.
Book a consultation
Colonoscopy & procedures
Personalized quote
The cost depends on the type of exam or procedure, the location and whether you use insurance. Message us and we'll reply with a clear, no-obligation quote.
Request a quoteWe work with major Mexican health insurers
Subject to your policy terms. Paying out of pocket from the US? Ask us for a clear quote.
- GNP
- AXA
- MetLife
- Bupa
- Allianz
- Quálitas
- SURA
- Turbotec
09FAQ
Your questions, answered: About hemorrhoids and colonoscopy in Tijuana
Can't find your question? Message us with confidence: we reply personally.
Ask on WhatsAppCan hemorrhoids turn into cancer?
No. Hemorrhoids do not turn into cancer. The issue is that both can cause bleeding, so persistent bleeding should always be checked to rule out other causes, such as polyps or colon cancer.
When should I see a specialist for hemorrhoids?
If bleeding lasts more than a week or keeps coming back, if there is severe pain or a lump that won't go back in, or if you are 45 or older. The sooner you get checked, the simpler treatment usually is.
Do all hemorrhoids need surgery?
No. Most improve with medical management or minimally invasive in-office procedures. Surgery is reserved for advanced hemorrhoids or those that don't respond to other treatments.
What is a colonoscopy and what is it for?
It is an exam that lets the doctor see inside the colon with a thin, flexible camera. It helps find the cause of bleeding or bowel changes, and it detects and removes polyps before they can become cancer.
At what age should I get my first colonoscopy?
If you have no symptoms or family history, starting at age 45. If relatives have had colon cancer or polyps, or you have warning signs, you may need it earlier; the doctor will tell you the right time.
Does a colonoscopy hurt?
It is usually done under sedation, so most patients feel no pain during the exam. Afterwards you may feel some bloating or gas that goes away within a few hours.
How do I prepare for a colonoscopy?
The day before, you follow a special diet and take a bowel prep to clean the colon. We give you written instructions and answer questions on WhatsApp. Because sedation is used, you will need a companion.
How much does a consultation cost?
The initial consultation is $1,200 MXN (Mexican pesos). Colonoscopy and procedure prices are quoted individually; message us on WhatsApp.
Do you see patients from San Diego and the US?
Yes. The main office is just minutes from the San Ysidro border crossing and Dr. Salazar speaks English. You can book on WhatsApp from the US.
Do you accept insurance?
We work with major Mexican health insurers (GNP, AXA, MetLife, Bupa, Allianz, Quálitas, SURA and Turbotec), subject to your policy. If you are paying out of pocket from the US, ask us for a clear quote.
No-taboo care
Let's talk about what feels awkward.
Your health deserves a conversation built on trust, with no embarrassment and no rush.