How to Diagnose Hemorrhoids
Enlarged veins at the junction of the anus and rectum are termed medically as hemorrhoids. Rectal discomfort or having an itch near the anus can be experienced as a symptom, but hemorrhoid is not the usual cause of these symptoms. Anal related diseases can also be one of the causes.
Like the anal fissures, people who suffer from hemorrhoids also have it, most do not. Anal conditions and hemorrhoids have few identical symptoms or most of the time, they may even occur together. Diagnosis of hemorrhoids can be easily done though different methods. You can find it out through bloody stools because the inflamed veins tend to bleed through the anal canal. Discovering it may also happen by accidentally feeling a prolapsed hemorrhoid or a soft swelling.
Symptoms automatically give a physician a hint to suspect the presence of a hemorrhoid. Identifying the condition needs a wide knowledge and expertise in the field; hence it is always suggested to consult a doctor. However, do not ignore the hemorrhoid-like symptoms as they are also vital because it may need further special treatment. Basic anus and anal canal examinations can accurately diagnose other causes, like anal fissures and fistulae to name a few.
Thrombosed hemorrhoids, or tender lumps, and any other visible bumps should always be monitored because it might also lead to rare cancer of the perennial area. Bulging hemorrhoid that comes out from the anus makes it easier to diagnose internal hemorrhoids.
Feeling any abnormalities through close evaluation by using gloved finger may help uncover an internal hemorrhoid, it is also said that this kind of rectal examination is still helpful except for some rare cancers that usually develop in the junction of the anus and rectum.
The use of anoscope in which a medical tube that is light and hollowed usually 3“ long and with 1“ diameter helps medical examiners to evaluate internal hemorrhoids in detailed manner. To reach the rectum, a lubricated anoscope is inserted from the anus through the anal canal. Internal hemorrhoids will be more visually visible upon the withdrawal of anoscope.
For more effective result, indirect anoscopy can be conducted. To check the anus, a special mirror is used while the patient is sitting and strained on a toilet while undergoing this process. Indirect anoscopy helps a physician check the effects of straining on the anus.
Bleeding shouldn’t be ignored, even if hemorrhoids are diagnosed or not. Colon above the rectum should be automatically checked, so that other reason may also be identified to get the right treatment on time. Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy are flexible procedures that are done by the doctors to allow them to evaluate a patient’s colon for hemorrhoids or any other disease.