Diagnosis of hemorrhoids

If bleeding from the anus or in the stool is noticed, it is important to resort to your specialist doctor for a careful clinical examination. Bleeding may be a symptom of hemorrhoids or other bowel conditions, including anal cancer. The doctor examines the anus and rectum to check for the presence of swollen blood vessels, which are indicative of hemorrhoids, and also performs a finger examination of the rectum to palpate anything abnormal.

Closer examination of the rectum to detect hemorrhoids involves the use of an Anoscope, a shallow lighted tube useful for viewing internal hemorrhoids, or a Proctoscope, useful for a more complete examination of the entire rectum. To exclude other causes of intestinal bleeding, the doctor should examine the rectum and the lower colon by sigmoidoscopy or the whole colon by Colonoscopy. Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy are diagnostic methods which also involve the use of a lighted, flexible tube inserted into the rectum.