Your rectum forms part of the large-intestine. This is the link between your anus and the colon i.e., the sigmoidal side of colon. Rectum is where stools are stored temporarily before they are discharged. Rectal veins may witness swelling(s) at times. This is termed as hemorrhoids. These swellings may occur either inside your rectum or at your anus. It is known affect millions of people, all over the world. It is of use to know what does a hemorrhoid look like.
Your rectum opens out as anus. This part has two (2) sphincter-valves controlling discharge of stools. Of these, the inner sphincter has an involuntary function while the outer one is voluntary. As this part is often exposed to stools, it is affected by several medical conditions. Hemorrhoids are one among them.
What are hemorrhoids?
When veins in your anus or rectum are swollen, it is called a hemorrhoid. Hemorrhoids are of two (2) types - internal and external. However, there are other classifications as well. They show up mostly among adults aged 50 years and above.
Hemorrhoids are also labeled as piles. Though most forms of hemorrhoids are asymptomatic, some of its signs resemble those of varicose-veins. Pregnant women, people living with chronic episodes of constipation, people who are overweight / obese, and those with a family history of hemorrhoids are more likely of getting it.
How hemorrhoids occur?
Hemorrhoids are formed when you apply excess pressure onto your anal or rectal blood vessels – mainly, veins. You may exert pressure when you have difficulties passing stools. Beware of incessant spells of diarrhea can also cause a major strain. This can build-up pressures within your anal tract. If you are a frequent user of laxatives and / or enemas, the ill effects of hemorrhoids would then be prominent.
Sitting for too long on toilet-seat can causes your veins – mainly those around your anus - to swell. It is hence unsafe to push hard during bowel movements.
In addition, rampant and long use of smartphones inside toilet can make you spend more time – than what is needed - inside the toilet. This may also lead to extra strain onto your anus / rectum, causing hemorrhoid(s).
Where do hemorrhoids appear?
Of the two distinct forms of hemorrhoids, the internal form show up inside your rectal tract. Those occurring around your anus are called external hemorrhoids. Most of the symptoms – regardless of the type of hemorrhoid - are mild; there are times they may remain unnoticed.
What does a hemorrhoid look like?
Of the two (2) leading types, internal hemorrhoids are invisible mostly - unless they prolapse i.e., protrude. They may show up as red-colored bumps during your bowel movement. These bumps are internal hemorrhoids on mucous membranes. Such membranes form inner-linings of your anus. Internal hemorrhoids may show up along with traces of blood in your stools. It is often a painless thing, and may originate deep within your rectal tract.
It is a rare thing for external hemorrhoids to clot blood. You tend to experience severe, sharp pains. Moreover, you can identify a hardened lump around the anal opening.
If your hemorrhoid is formed of a blood clot – i.e., on one of your mucous membranes, they may appear bluish or purple. This however depends on the skin of your color. This is thrombosed hemorrhoid. This can result in persistent spells of acute pain.
Hemorrhoids with reddish-lump or a skin-colored bump around your anus is external Hemorrhoids. It has a harder structure and is covered by mucus. Common symptoms of this hemorrhoid include swelling, itchy sensation, and frequent spells of pain. These are known to form underneath your anal-epidermis.
Hemorrhoids, in general, are soft in appearance. Of the two types of hemorrhoids, internal and external, the internal hemorrhoids are not visible to your eye unlike the external hemorrhoids.
Your caregiver examines your condition doing a colonoscopy. It is only in unusual cases you get to see an internal hemorrhoid showing itself up; this occurs when it is has turned too large. Further protrusion is possible during bowel movements. This is known as a prolapsed form of hemorrhoid. This may make you off it.
How do caregivers diagnose hemorrhoids?
Gastroenterologists identify external hemorrhoids with relative ease. The diagnosis of internal hemorrhoids need an intricate procedure. A few procedures like digital-rectal-exam, sigmoidoscopy, or anoscopy are needed.
Your caregiver does a digital-rectal-exam by inserting a finger into your rectum; done to feel tenderness or lumps within, if any. This also helps check tone of tissues / muscles deep inside. This test may lead to use of an anoscope. This is a short tube inserted into the rectum. This is a flexible tubing with a light source for surgeons to see inside your colon.
Treatment options for hemorrhoids
Nonsurgical hemorrhoid treatments are helpful to manage not-so-complex complex hemorrhoid conditions. However, complex / deep-within hemorrhoids require customized treatment plans. Minimally invasive procedures help treat persistent and bleeding hemorrhoids. These include:
Rubber band ligation – this procedure is done by putting one or two small medical-grade rubber bands around base of hemorrhoid. This cuts-off blood flow. You may need a couple of such bandings to rid of your hemorrhoid(s).
Sclerotherapy – is also a simple method. Caregivers inject a chemical solution into a hemorrhoid to cut supply off. This shrinks your hemorrhoid. It causes minimal pain.
Cryotherapy – is a procedure where you apply liquid or a form of cool gas to freeze external hemorrhoids. This shrinks hemorrhoids and make them fall-off.
Surgical hemorrhoid treatment – is done to large, bleeding, or prolapsed internal hemorrhoids. Surgery is recommended when other options fail to work. Most are done as daycare procedures, and seldom need overnight stay in clinic / hospital. Surgical procedures include:
Excisional hemorrhoidectomy – is removal of hemorrhoids by making incisions around them and remove them off. This is done with general anesthesia (GA); you may sense post-procedure pains for about two weeks’ time.
Stapled hemorrhoidopexy – another method wherein a tube is inserted inside your anus. This helps remove issues around hemorrhoids. The tissue is then stapled-back. It shrinks hemorrhoids in about 4 – 6 weeks, with restricted blood flow. Done under GA - stapled hemorrhoidopexy takes ~ half-hour. This procedure is less painful.
You are advised to can consult with your gastroenterologist / colorectal surgeon for treatment options suiting you most.