In order to evaluate and diagnose hemorrhoids, the health professional will do a rectal examination. After visual examination of the anus, colon (large intestine) and surrounding area for external or prolapsed hemorrhoids, the health professional may also look for indications of enlarged prostate, polyp or tumor.

Visual hemorrhoids can be done by using a medial device called an anoscope. With that device, the health professional can see the internal hemorrhoids, as well as polyps in the rectum. To diagnose internal hemorrhoids, the doctor will insert a thin tube-like instrument (called an anoscope) into the lower few inches of the rectum. The anoscope has a light at the end and an eyepiece at the front for viewing into the anal canal.

More detailed exams and tests such as colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy can be performed. The health professional uses a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope to look at the colon. A colonoscopy helps find colon polyps, tumors, and areas of inflammation or bleeding. Sigmoidoscopy allows a health professional to look inside the anus, rectum, and lower part of the large intestine (colon) for abnormal growths or other signs of disease.

If hemorrhoids are present, the health will develop a treatment based on the condition.

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