Hemorrhoids: typologies, symptoms and forms of presentation

Hemorrhoids present with inflammation of the veins of the rectum, which tend to bleed, prolapse or both at the same time. Despite being a very common condition today, many sufferers suffer in silence and take years to notify their physician.

Type of hemorrhoids

Also known as piles, hemorrhoids are divided into two types, depending on their location.

  • Internal hemorrhoids: these are located inside the anus, and show themselves with pain, bleeding and prolapse during defecation. If they end up completely out of the rectal canal, the pain they produce is very intense.
  • External hemorrhoids: they are located around the anus, covered by a thin and sensitive skin whose rupture causes bleeding of variable level. They may also contain a blood clot inside, producing intense and sharp pain.

Risk factors for hemorrhoids

General surgery specialists do not know the exact cause of piles, although they agree on the existence of risk factors that increase their appearance. Age, genetic predisposition, chronic constipation, pregnancy and even spending a long time sitting on the toilet are some examples. All of them favor the distension of the anal tissue, causing dilation of its veins and weakening of the area.

How do hemorrhoids occur?

  • Hemorrhoidal crisis: hard stools or a poor diet (excess of spicy, salty foods, alcohol or caffeine) increase the size of the veins, causing intense and constant pain.
  • External hemorrhoidal thrombosis: consists of the rupture of one of the inflamed veins, causing the appearance of a clot in the anus, a lot of pain and a small purplish hardness (nodule).
  • Hemorrhoidal prolapse: occurs when the veins of the anus bulge out of the anus and must be reintroduced manually or by surgery.
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Hemorrhoids or colon cancer?

Many patients suffering from this condition may be alarmed to find that their symptoms are similar to those of colon cancer. However, it must be said that they are not related: hemorrhoids do not degenerate into colon cancer. In any case, it is advisable to see a physician or colorectal surgeon when these symptoms occur.