Hemorrhoids

Common symptoms of hemorrhoids may be a sign of other serious health problems. Colon or rectal cancer and other conditions have many of the same symptoms as hemorrhoids. Call your doctor if you have symptoms like these:

• Stools are black or tarry.
• A lump or bulge that is not tender and does not go away develops at the anal opening.

If you have hemorrhoids, call your doctor if:

• Moderate rectal pain lasts longer than 1 week after home treatment.
• Pain or swelling is severe.
• Tissue from inside the body bulges from the anus and does not return to normal after 3 to 7 days of home treatment.
• A lump inside the anus becomes bigger or more painful.

If rectal bleeding becomes heavy or changes color (such as from bright red to dark red), or if stools change size, shape, or color (from brown to maroon or black), be sure to see your doctor.

Watchful waiting

Watchful waiting is a wait-and-see approach. And in most cases, bleeding caused by hemorrhoids should stop after 2 to 3 days. Continue home treatment to prevent bleeding from starting again. Call your doctor if bleeding:

• Occurs for more than 1 week without improvement.
• Starts again.
• Occurs when there is no reason to expect it.

If you are older than age 50 or have a family history of colon cancer, it is a good idea to tell your doctor any time you have new rectal bleeding, notice blood on your stools, have changes in bowel habits, or have anal pain. These symptoms may be signs of colon cancer or other conditions. Your doctor may recommend screening tests to see if you have a more serious problem. See Reference Exams and Tests.

Who to see

The following professionals can evaluate and treat hemorrhoids:

• Reference Family medicine doctor Opens New Window
• Reference Internist Opens New Window
• Reference Nurse practitioner Opens New Window
• Reference Physician assistant Opens New Window
• Reference Obstetrician Opens New Window
• Reference Gastroenterologist Opens New Window
• Reference Gynecologist Opens New Window
• Reference General surgeon Opens New Window

If medical treatment or surgery is needed, you may be referred to a:

• Reference Gastroenterologist Opens New Window.
• Reference General or colorectal surgeon Opens New Window.
• Doctor who specializes in problems affecting the rectum and anus (proctologist).

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Reference Making the Most of Your Appointment.

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.