One in two
In our society, one in two people experiences hemorrhoids, or the enlargement of venous nodes, but hemorrhoidal symptoms can also indicate other health conditions. Patients often believe that hemorrhoids are the cause of all their symptoms, but this is not always the case. Common conditions include rectal mucosal tears, or fissures, which typically occur after a harder bowel movement, and condylomas. The mucosa tears, starts to bleed, and when the fissure heals, itching and discomfort may appear, along with possible pain after or during a bowel movement. If subsequent constipation occurs, the wound can tear again, and the healing process may take much longer. Over time, this may develop into a chronic fissure rather than an acute one. It can also become infected, leading to additional abscesses beneath the mucosa, which can develop into fistulas—a severe complication that can only be treated surgically. The patient cannot visually diagnose this; fistulas are diagnosed in the proctologist's office. Symptoms such as purulent discharge or moisture that is not directly related to bowel movements may indicate the presence of a fistula, which should definitely be checked. In rare cases, patients come for a preventive check-up to see if there are any suspicious growths or other issues around the perineum, anus, or rectum. There can also be perianal growths that may be bothersome or cosmetically unappealing, such as moles or papillomas. We offer to remove them with laser equipment and, if necessary, can refer patients to a dermatologist.
If the doctor notices anything suspicious during the examination, the patient will be referred for a more detailed examination of the rectum and colon, such as a colonoscopy. It is crucial to check and exclude malignant tumors, whose symptoms can be similar to hemorrhoid symptoms. Therefore, patients should not hesitate to see a doctor if they experience any discomfort in the anal area.
