TYPES AND STAGES OF HEMORRHOIDS
Hemorrhoids are something that you might not openly talk about with other people due to embarrassment, but you cannot hide this fact. Therefore, you should also know about the type and stage of the disease and let your doctor know about it for appropriate treatment.
In fact, there are four different types and stages of hemorrhoids. The most common symptoms of this condition include the following:
Bleeding
Mucus in stool
Itching
Pain in the anal area
Itching and burning sensation
Feeling of fullness
Types of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids come in different types and each is characterized by varying levels of discomfort and pain. Here are the 4 major types:
Internal: This happens when the internal veins are compressed with heavy pressure. The major sign is blood in the stool or on the tissue paper. They are also painful and can be a huge problem when they prolapse. A prolapsed hemorrhoid means that it has slipped down the anal cavity.
External: These are the hemorrhoids that prolapse past the anal cavity. These are typically painful and are prone to bleeding. These can also produce burning which can be very uncomfortable. External type can be thrombosed or prolapsed.
Thrombosed: These are external hemorrhoids characterized by blood clots. The clots form when veins become inflamed and the blood supply is cut off. Thrombosis of external hemorrhoids causes an anal lump that is very painful and tender and often requires medical attention. The thrombosed hemorrhoid may heal with scarring, and leave a tag of skin protruding in the anus. Occasionally, the tag is large, which can make anal hygiene (cleaning) difficult or irritate the anus.
Prolapsed: Prolapse of internal hemorrhoids occurs when the internal hemorrhoids swell and extend their location from the rectum through the anus. In the anal canal, the hemorrhoid is exposed to the trauma of passing stool, particularly hard stools associated with constipation. The trauma can cause bleeding and sometimes pain when stool passes. The presence of stool, inflammation, and constant moisture can lead to anal itchiness (pruritus ani), and occasionally the constant feeling of needing to have a bowel movement. Prolapsing hemorrhoid usually returns into the anal canal or rectum on its own or can be pushed back inside with a finger, but it prolapses again with the next bowel movement.
Grades of hemorrhoids
This problem can be classified into four stages as follows:
Grade 1: It is characterized by internal hemorrhoids that are still above the anal cavity or pectinate line. At this stage, pain is not yet evident since no signs are present. But in some cases, mild discomfort and itching can be observed.
Grade 2: This stage marks the starting point of prolapse. At this stage, the hemorrhoidal tissues begin to weaken and collapse making hemorrhoids slip out the anal canal, but this can be reversible. Hemorrhoids in grade 2 are typically annoying and painful.
Grade 3: These are also characterized by prolapse, but they are not reversible. This means that the prolapsed hemorrhoid cannot be pushed back inside like in Grade 2. These cases are uncomfortable, and painful, and may cause bleeding.
Grade 4: These cases overhang from the opening of the rectum and remain hanging outside. These are tremendously painful and are prone to bleeding and infection.
By knowing about the condition, as well as, the types and stages of hemorrhoids, proper treatment can be obtained and implemented by your doctor.
Feb 28, 2021
HUNG M. DO, MD, Ph.D