Hemorrhoids, often likened to "varicose veins of the anus and rectum," manifest as enlarged, bulging blood vessels in and around the anus and lower rectum, the terminal portion of the colon. The supportive tissues of these vessels undergo stretching, leading to their expansion, thinning of the walls, and subsequent bleeding. Persistent stretching and pressure further weaken the vessels, causing them to protrude. Hemorrhoids are categorized into two types based on their location: external and internal.

External hemorrhoids develop near the anus and are ensconced by sensitive skin, typically remaining painless unless complications such as thrombosis or significant swelling arise. Thrombosed external hemorrhoids denote the formation of blood clots in an external hemorrhoid beneath the anal skin, potentially inducing substantial pain. Symptoms may include the sudden appearance of a painful anal mass, worsening over the initial 48 hours, with subsequent alleviation over several days, often accompanied by bleeding if the skin overlying the hemorrhoid ruptures.

Conversely, internal hemorrhoids form within the anal canal beneath the mucosal lining, often presenting with painless bleeding and protrusion during bowel movements. However, severe pain may ensue if an internal hemorrhoid becomes completely prolapsed, meaning it protrudes from the anal opening and cannot be reinserted.

Hemorrhoids: Facts and Statistics

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