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Hemorrhoids - Symptom

Alternative Names

Rectal lump; Piles; Lump in the rectum

Symptoms:

Symptoms of hemorrhoids include:

Anal itching
Anal ache or pain, especially while sitting
Bright red blood on toilet tissue, stool, or in the toilet bowl
Pain during bowel movements
One or more hard tender lumps near the anus

Signs and tests:

A doctor can often diagnose hemorrhoids simply by examining the rectal area. If necessary, tests that may help diagnose the problem include:

Stool guaiac (shows the presence of blood)
Sigmoidoscopy
Anoscopy

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoid surgery - series

Reviewed last on: 5/3/2007
Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

References

American Gastroenterological Association medical position statement: Diagnosis and treatment of hemorrhoids. Gastroenterology. 2004 May;126(5):1461-2.

Feldman M, Friedman LS, Sleisenger MH. Sleisenger & Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2002.

Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002.

Rakel P.Textbook of Family Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2002.

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