hemorrhoid
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- National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases - Hemorrhoid
- National Center for Biotechnology Information - PubMed Central - Hemorrhoids: From basic pathophysiology to clinical management
- Johns Hopkins Medicine - Hemorrhoid
- Cedars-Sinai - Hemorrhoids
- American Academy of Family Physicians - Hemorrhoids: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
- Mayo Clinic - Hemorrhoid
- Healthline - Causes of Hemorrhoids and Tips for Prevention
- Merck Manuals Professional Version - Hemorrhoids
- MedicineNet - Hemorrhoids (Internal and External)
- Cleveland Clinic - Hemorrhoids
- Also spelled:
- Haemorrhoid
- Also called:
- Pile
- Related Topics:
- anal canal
- varicose vein
- anus
hemorrhoid, mass formed by distension of the network of veins under the mucous membrane that lines the anal channel or under the skin lining the external portion of the anus. A form of varicose vein, a hemorrhoid may develop from anal infection or from increase in intra-abdominal pressure, such as occurs during pregnancy, while lifting a heavy object, or while straining at stool. It may be a complication of chronic liver disease or tumours. The weakness in the vessel wall that permits the defect to develop may be inherited.
Mild hemorrhoids may be treated by such methods as the use of suppositories, non-irritating laxatives, and baths. If clots have formed, or in the presence of other complications, the hemorrhoids may be removed surgically.
