LIBERTY HEMORRHOID CENTER
What you need to know about your hemorrhoids but was too embarrassed to ask
What are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are blood vessels that are a normal part of your digestive system. When they become enlarged, they can cause difficulty with hygiene, discomfort, and bleeding. Hemorrhoids can be either internal, external, or both.
Common Hemorrhoid Symptoms:
When hemorrhoids swell as a result of constipation, diarrhea, pregnancy, or heavy lifting or straining, symptoms of pain, bleeding, itching and bleeding can result.
Bleeding: Bleeding is usually caused by internal hemorrhoids. You may see this as bright red blood in toilet water or on tissue paper when wiping. Clotted or thrombosed hemorrhoids can also cause bleeding and are treated differently.
Itching: Hemorrhoids can cause itching around the anus. If this occurs, you should seek treatment as itching can be a result of other conditions including anal fissure, anal or rectal cancer. Continued scratching or prolonged use of steroid creams can invite infection and can may make your symptoms worse and harder to treat.
Prolapse: If an internal hemorrhoid becomes large enough, it can push through the anal canal, resulting in a prolapse. Sometimes this prolapse may retreat on its own, but other times it may need to be pushed back in.
When Should I Treat My Hemorrhoids?
As soon as possible. When left untreated, hemorrhoid symptoms can worsen, and cause increased discomfort and embarrassment. When treated early, the chance for recurrence is greatly reduced, as is the pain and possibly the cost of treatment.
Is it painful to have my hemorrhoids treated ?
Not necessarily especially if caught and treated early. treatment can be pain-free and very effective. Rubber band ligation treatment is incredibly effective and is the most common procedure we perform in the office.
Surgery, typically an uncomfortable procedure, is only considered if necessary. We usually use long-acting anesthetics that help reduce associated pain.
Can my Hemorrhoids cause cancer ?
The answer is No. Hemorrhoids cannot cause cancer. However, many people attribute their bleeding to hemorrhoids and hence delay seeking medical attention. Bleeding can be a tell tale sign of more serious conditions such as cancer. This is why you should never self diagnose but always seek the expertise of a colon and rectal surgery specialist. If you are experiencing bleeding during bowel movements, you should make an appointment with our office as soon as possible.
Should any doctor treat my hemorrhoids ?
The short answer is no. Hemorrhoids are a specialized issue, and treatment requires a specialist’s training and experience. While you may be referred to a gastroenterologist or even a vascular surgeon to treat your hemorrhoids, you should ask to be referred to a colon and rectal surgeon. Only a colon and rectal surgeon has completed the necessary training and certification to be so uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat your issue.