$Unique_ID{BRK02166}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Hemorrhoids}
$Subject{Hemorrhoids ointments creams surgery cancer dilated veins internal
rectum external skin tags swollen sitz baths Ice packs heat surgical excision
Over-the-counter preparations injection therapy excision elastic band ligation
out-patient surgery removal laser surgery bulking diet stool softeners}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Anatomy of the Rectum*0004201.scf
External and Internal Hemorrhoids*0004202.scf
Causes of Hemorrhoids I*0004203.scf
Causes of Hemorrhoids II*0004204.scf}

Copyright (c) 1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Hemorrhoids


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QUESTION:  I have never had hemorrhoids but now I do.  I was wondering if any
of the ointments or creams that you can buy at the pharmacy are sufficient to
treat the condition, or if I might I need surgery?  Can this condition ever
change into a cancer?  I would be most grateful to you for your answer to this
question.

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ANSWER:  Hemorrhoids are really just dilated veins.  They can be internal
(located up inside the rectum), or external (the kind that extend below the
anal orifice), or both.  If you have small external skin tags that are
painless, ignore them.  If they are swollen, getting off your feet and warm
sitz baths may help.  Ice packs at the very onset of swelling may provide
relief, but heat is better when swelling is severe.  If external hemorrhoids
are recurrent and interfere with daily life, surgical excision is recommended.
     Internal hemorrhoids occur in 4 degrees of severity, ranging from
painless, inobstructive ones to ones that protrude from the anus.  No
treatment is necessary for the first 2 degrees unless there is pain or
swelling, for simple measures can control them quite well.  Over-the-counter
preparations can often provide relief you seek in these circumstances.
Occasionally, injection therapy may also be prescribed, which causes a scar to
form that closes the dilated vein.  For then next 2 degrees, excision or
elastic band ligation is suggested usually as out-patient surgery, often
performed in the doctor's office.  A combination of internal and external
hemorrhoids may require removal, depending upon symptoms.  Modern techniques
in laser surgery can often be used to remedy the situation.  For all kinds of
hemorrhoids, a bulking diet and/or stool softeners will reduce straining.  The
good news is that hemorrhoids never become malignant, that is never change to
a form of cancer.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.