Hemorrhoids

Overview

Hemorrhoids are a common disorder. More than half of adults over age 50 experience them. In most cases, simple self-care procedures will solve the problem. For those with more severe, persistent or complicated hemorrhoids, Mayo Clinic's comprehensive approach to care offers expert diagnosis quickly followed by highly skilled surgical treatment, often by the next day. Mayo Clinic's doctors have vast experience in the treatment of hemorrhoids and are continually assessing and refining their techniques to offer patients the best possible results.

Diagnosis

Rectal bleeding is the most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids. Since bleeding can also be a symptom of other more serious disorders (such as colon cancer), it's important to get an accurate diagnosis. Read more about hemorrhoids diagnosis.

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Treatment Options

The treatment of hemorrhoids depends on their severity and persistence. Most people find relief with self-care procedures, while some may require additional treatment such as rubber band ligation or, in rare cases, surgery. Read more about hemorrhoid treatment options.

About the Disease

Hemorrhoids are downwardly displaced anal cushions — collections of blood vessels, smooth muscle fibers and elastic connective tissue.

Anal cushions normally work to support the anal canal and lining during defecation. The cushions are supported by surrounding muscle tissue. When this supporting tissue deteriorates, often due to straining during a bowel movement or from pregnancy, hemorrhoids result.

Hemorrhoids may be located internally, near the beginning of the anal canal, or externally, outside the anus. When an internal hemorrhoid protrudes through the anal opening, it's described as prolapsed. If the hemorrhoid is so far prolapsed that it can't be placed back inside, it's referred to as strangulated. Untreated, a stangulated hemorrhoid can become gangrenous (a dangerous condition where soft tissue dies due to lack of blood supply). When a blood clot forms in an external hemorrhoid, it's referred to as thrombosed.

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