What Do Hemorrhoids Look Like?

Hemorrhoids may initially present with itching and irritation in the area around the anus. They tend to gradually enlarge. Hemorrhoids are a common cause of lower gastrointestinal bleeding. An inflamed hemorrhoid may feel uncomfortable and even painful. It is essential to seek professional consultation before attempting remedies over the counter because gastrointestinal cancer must be ruled out before the diagnosis of hemorrhoids can be definitively made, and appropriate treatment can be administered.

Dr. Sergei Sobolevsky, a hemorrhoid specialist at the Downtown Vein & Vascular Center in Brooklyn, NY, offers professional evaluation to confirm the diagnosis of hemorrhoids and recommend appropriate therapy. Don’t wait for symptoms to progress, consult Dr. Sobolevsky for effective relief.

What Exactly Are Hemorrhoids?

There are two main types of hemorrhoids:

• Internal, forming inside the rectum
• External, protruding or around the exterior of the anus

Please call Downtown Vein & Vascular Center in Brooklyn, NYC to schedule a consultation with Dr Sobolevsky who possesses the necessary expertise to diagnose and manage hemorrhoids.

What Are the Characteristics of Hemorrhoids?

Examining the region around the anus can be challenging requiring the expertise of a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis. While Internal hemorrhoids remain unseen, and their presence typically does not cause discomfort, they may cause significant and frequent bleeding, which is the most concerning presentation of this disease, because it causes substantial discomfort and may lead to anemia. Rectal bleeding is also a common presentation of the colon, and thus, it is important to rule out malignancy when evaluating hemorrhoids.

The following symptoms are typical for hemorrhoids:

• Painless lower gastrointestinal bleeding
  Blood on toilet paper, in the toilet bowl, or in the stool
• Prolapsed hemorrhoid
  a soft lump or bulge extending from the anus
• Mucus discharge
  Clear or yellow secretions may be seen in the stool
• Sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation
  Feeling that the bowel is not empty after the bowel movement
• Itching or irritation around the anus
  Mucus secretions or a prolapsed hemorrhoid is irritating the surrounding skin

Potential Complications If Left Untreated

Neglecting hemorrhoids often leads to significant complications:

• Infection
• Skin irritation in the anal area
• Ulceration
• Blood clot within a hemorrhoid due to Restricted blood flow
• Anemia from chronic internal bleeding
• Severe and persistent pain

Hemorrhoids presentation is variable:

• Combined Internal and External Hemorrhoids cause bleeding, pain, and swelling.
• Prolapsed Hemorrhoids: Internal hemorrhoids that protrude outside the anus, possibly requiring manual repositioning.
• Strangulated Hemorrhoids: When a prolapsed hemorrhoid loses blood supply, causing intense pain, especially during bowel movements or walking.
• Thrombosed Hemorrhoids: Characterized by a blood clot inside an external hemorrhoid, often resulting in sudden, severe pain and swelling.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sergei Sobolevsky at Downtown Vein & Vascular Center. He can provide a precise diagnosis and recommend the most effective treatment to bring you relief.

What are the Causes and Risk Factors for Hemorrhoids?

Development of hemorrhoids is related to weakening of connective tissue supporting veins in the rectum and anus leading to dilatation of veins in the lower rectum and anus. Nearly 50% of Americans experience hemorrhoids at least once in their lifetime.

Risk Factors include the following:

• Genetics
• Age between 45 and 65
• Pregnancy (especially when complicated by chronic constipation)
• Excessive straining during bowel movements or childbirth
• Chronic constipation
• Chronic diarrhea
• Strenuous activity and weight lifting
• Obesity
• Family history of hemorrhoids

Treatment for Hemorrhoids

Once the diagnosis of hemorrhoids has been established and their particular type is determined, Dr Sobolevsky will advise on the most appropriate management. Treatment modalities for hemorrhoids range from simple at-home over-the-counter creams and suppositories to image-guided procedures and surgery.

At-Home and Over-the-Counter Treatment

These measures are typically recommended in the initial stages of the disease

Dietary and Lifestyle Changes

• Consumption of a High-fiber diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains)
• Sufficient water intake to prevent hard stools
• Minimizing straining during bowel movements
• Engaging in Regular exercise

Over-the-Counter Medications

• Topical anti-inflammatory creams or ointments
• Suppositories with anti-inflammatory medications

Sitz Baths

• Soaking in warm water for 10–15 minutes at a time

Minimally Invasive Procedures and Surgery

When the severity of hemorrhoids increases in spite of conservative management, minimally invasive methods and surgery are available:

Hemorrhoid Embolization

• Minimally invasive image-guided endovascular procedure
• Blocks the arterial blood supply to the hemorrhoid
• Extremely effective in the cessation of bleeding and a low rate of recurrence
• It induces no rectal trauma
• Ideal for bleeding internal hemorrhoids
• Embolization is associated with no postoperative pain

Rubber Band Ligation (also known as Banding)

• A small rubber band is placed on a hemorrhoid, resulting in its constriction
• Due to cessation of blood flow, the hemorrhoid becomes necrotic and detaches over time.
• This procedure is effective but is associated with significant postoperative pain

Sclerotherapy

• A sclerosant medication is injected into the hemorrhoid
• This procedure causes hemorrhoids to shrink and scar
• This procedure is associated with significant postoperative discomfort

Electrocoagulation

• Uses electrical current to cause the hemorrhoidal tissue to scar
• This procedure is associated with mild postoperative pain

Hemorrhoidectomy

• Surgical excision of prolapsed hemorrhoids
• Involves longer recovery and significant postoperative pain

What’s the Best Treatment for Hemorrhoids?

When bleeding internal hemorrhoids do not respond to conservative therapy, Dr. Sobolevsky may recommend a minimally invasive procedure such as hemorrhoidal artery embolization.

Why Choose Hemorrhoidal Artery Embolization?

• Performed in-office under twilight sedation
• Highly effective in treating bleeding hemorrhoids
• Minimally invasive procedure reducing the risk of trauma
• No risk of incontinence
• Designed for fast symptom relief with reduced recurrence rates

Why See Dr. Sobolevsky?

Dr. Sergei Sobolevsky is an expert in hemorrhoid embolization. He uses real-time imaging to navigate a series of tiny instruments into the rectal arteries in order to close the blood supply to the hemorrhoids leading to their shrinking and disappearance. This procedure is very safe and effective in immediate cessation of hemorrhoid bleeding.
Don’t wait for your symptoms to worsen. Contact Dr. Sobolevsky today for a professional evaluation, establishing a diagnosis receiving the most effective  treatment appropriate to your particular type of hemorrhoids.