This page provides educational hemorrhoid images, real clinical pictures, and medical illustrations related to hemorrhoids. Visual guides can help patients better understand the anatomy of hemorrhoids, the difference between internal and external hemorrhoids, what thrombosed hemorrhoids may look like, and how various treatments work.
These images and diagrams are intended for educational purposes and may help explain symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. Some clinical images may be graphic. Pictures can be helpful, but they cannot confirm a diagnosis or replace an examination by a colorectal specialist.
Hemorrhoids can look different depending on whether they are internal, external, thrombosed, or prolapsed. External hemorrhoids may look like swollen tissue or one or more lumps around the anus. Internal hemorrhoids are usually not visible from the outside unless they prolapse through the anus.
A visual guide can help patients understand common appearances, but pictures alone cannot confirm the diagnosis. Anal fissures, skin tags, abscesses, warts, rectal prolapse, inflammatory bowel disease, and tumors may sometimes be confused with hemorrhoids.
Real pictures of hemorrhoids can help patients understand the appearance of external hemorrhoids, thrombosed hemorrhoids, and prolapsed hemorrhoids. However, real clinical photos can vary widely based on skin tone, swelling, lighting, thrombosis, ulceration, prolapse, and image quality.
Medical diagrams are often more useful for understanding where hemorrhoids occur, why symptoms develop, and how treatment options work. Real hemorrhoid pictures may show more detail, but they should not be used to self-diagnose rectal bleeding, anal pain, or a new lump.
Clinical image courtesy of ASCRS U Image Library.
This real picture shows a thrombosed external hemorrhoid with ulceration. A thrombosed external hemorrhoid occurs when a blood clot forms inside an external hemorrhoid. This can cause sudden pain, swelling, firmness, and a bluish, purple, or dark area near the anus.
Clinical image courtesy of ASCRS U Image Library.
External hemorrhoids occur under the skin around the anus. They may appear as small swollen areas, soft bumps, or tender lumps near the anal opening. External hemorrhoids are more likely to cause pain, swelling, itching, irritation, or discomfort with sitting and bowel movements.
A thrombosed external hemorrhoid occurs when a blood clot forms inside an external hemorrhoid. This may appear as a painful, swollen, firm lump that can look bluish, purple, red, or dark.
Small external hemorrhoids may appear as mild swelling or a small lump near the anus. They may cause itching, burning, irritation, or discomfort, especially with constipation, prolonged sitting, wiping, or straining.
Mild symptoms may improve with conservative care such as increasing dietary fiber, drinking adequate fluids, avoiding prolonged straining, and using warm sitz baths. Persistent symptoms should be evaluated to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other anorectal conditions.
Clinical image courtesy of ASCRS U Image Library.
Prolapsed hemorrhoids occur when enlarged internal hemorrhoidal tissue bulges outside the anus. Prolapse may happen during bowel movements and may go back in on its own, require manual reduction, or remain outside the anus.
A fourth-degree hemorrhoid is a severe prolapsed hemorrhoid that remains outside the anus and cannot be manually reduced. Prolapsed hemorrhoids can cause bleeding, mucus drainage, irritation, pressure, hygiene difficulty, or the sensation of tissue coming out during bowel movements.
Clinical image courtesy of ASCRS U Image Library. This image is included for educational comparison only; hemorrhoids in women and men can look similar, and pictures should not be used to confirm a diagnosis.
Hemorrhoids in women generally look similar to hemorrhoids in men. They may appear as external swelling, a tender lump near the anus, prolapsed internal tissue, or a thrombosed external hemorrhoid.
Pregnancy, childbirth, constipation, prolonged straining, and pelvic pressure may contribute to hemorrhoid symptoms in some women. However, rectal bleeding, persistent pain, or a new anal lump should not be self-diagnosed from pictures alone.
Internal hemorrhoids develop inside the rectum, while external hemorrhoids occur under the skin around the anus. Internal hemorrhoids often cause painless bleeding, while external hemorrhoids may cause pain, swelling, or itching.
A thrombosed hemorrhoid occurs when a blood clot forms inside an external hemorrhoid. This can cause sudden pain and swelling near the anus.
Internal hemorrhoids are classified into four grades depending on how much they prolapse outside the anus.
Rubber band ligation is a common office procedure used to treat internal hemorrhoids. A small band is placed around the hemorrhoid to cut off blood supply, causing the hemorrhoid to shrink and fall off.
Stapled hemorrhoidopexy is a surgical procedure used to treat prolapsing internal hemorrhoids. During this procedure, a specialized circular stapling device is used to reposition the hemorrhoidal tissue back into its normal position and reduce blood flow to the hemorrhoids. This helps shrink the hemorrhoids and relieve symptoms such as bleeding and prolapse.
This procedure is typically recommended for Grade III or Grade IV internal hemorrhoids, particularly when significant prolapse is present.
Hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove large or severe hemorrhoids. It is usually recommended when hemorrhoids cause persistent symptoms such as bleeding, pain, or prolapse that do not respond to conservative treatments or office-based procedures.
During a hemorrhoidectomy, the surgeon removes the enlarged hemorrhoidal tissue, providing a long-term solution for severe hemorrhoids. Although recovery may take longer than with office procedures, hemorrhoidectomy is considered one of the most effective treatments for advanced hemorrhoids.
You should seek medical evaluation if you have rectal bleeding, severe anal pain, sudden painful swelling, a new or enlarging lump near the anus, drainage, fever, prolapsed tissue that does not go back in, or symptoms that do not improve with conservative treatment.
Hemorrhoid pictures can help with education, but they should not replace a medical examination. A colorectal surgeon can confirm the diagnosis and recommend treatment based on symptoms, examination findings, hemorrhoid type, and severity.
If you are concerned about hemorrhoids, rectal bleeding, anal pain, or a new lump near the anus, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Aisha Akhtar, MD, a board-certified colorectal surgeon in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Dr. Aisha Akhtar, MD is a board-certified colorectal surgeon specializing in the evaluation and treatment of hemorrhoids and other anorectal conditions. She offers comprehensive care ranging from conservative management to office procedures such as hemorrhoid banding and advanced surgical treatments when necessary.
“ The whole office was wonderful. Dr Akhtar was excellent. She was thorough. She explained things extremely well. She answered all my questions. I... The whole office was wonderful. Dr Akhtar was excellent. She was thorough. She explained things extremely well. She answered all my questions. I never felt like she was rushing my exam. ”
“ Dr. Akhtar and the entire team made what could have been a very stressful experience feel comfortable, reassuring, and genuinely cared for from sta... Dr. Akhtar and the entire team made what could have been a very stressful experience feel comfortable, reassuring, and genuinely cared for from start to finish. Dr. Akhtar was professional, compassionate, and took the time to thoroughly explain everything before my procedure, which immediately put me at ease. The procedure itself went smoothly, and I truly felt I was in excellent hands the entire time. The office staff was also kind, organized, and attentive throughout the process. I’m incredibly grateful for the level of care, patience, and professionalism I received. I would absolutely recommend Dr. Akhtar to anyone looking for a skilled doctor who truly cares about their patients and their comfort. ”
“ I cannot express the how thankful I am for Dr. Akhtar. I had been to 4 other colorectal doctors, 3 gastro doctors before seeing Dr. Akhtar. I was c... I cannot express the how thankful I am for Dr. Akhtar. I had been to 4 other colorectal doctors, 3 gastro doctors before seeing Dr. Akhtar. I was crying in her office when she met me the first time. That didn't deter her. Not only that but she located the issue on my first visit. She is kind, caring, thorough and incredibly knowledgeable. She listens, spends time with you and doesn't talk over you. I've needed extra time to discuss my case many times and she has always taken the time that I needed. I've brought to her research I've read, and she always already knows about the publications. The staff are kind and helpful. I dont know what I would have done without finding her. Another health care provider recommended her highly as do I. ”
“ Best colorectal surgeon I’ve ever met. Dr. Akhtar is compassionate, gentle, warm, and caring. I came to her in Glendale after having a horrific exp... Best colorectal surgeon I’ve ever met. Dr. Akhtar is compassionate, gentle, warm, and caring. I came to her in Glendale after having a horrific experience with a general surgeon in Flagstaff (where I live). The Flagstaff surgeon caused a hemorrhage that almost cost me my life, and then I developed stenosis after the emergency room surgeon “fixed” the hemorrhage. Dr. Akhtar was kind enough to take me as a patient (most surgeons will not take a patient who has already been operated by another surgeon due to liability). She was very respectful and gentle in the examination, and was even able to fit me in for an outpatient procedure under sedation the very same day (knowing that I drove over 2 hours to see her). I could not be happier with her. She took the time to personally call me the next day to check on my progress. You do not see this type of doctor very often anymore. She is someone who is in it for the patient, and you can tell. I will continue to drive over 4 hours there and back to receive her high quality care and expertise. Cannot recommend her highly enough. ”
“ Dr. Akhtar is THE BEST provider I have ever seen, period. She is incredibly knowledgeable, informative, and above all so kind. I have not met... Dr. Akhtar is THE BEST provider I have ever seen, period. She is incredibly knowledgeable, informative, and above all so kind. I have not met many people who have as comforting a bedside manner as she does. I was educated properly every step of the way and felt confident doing so because of her caring demeanor. Her PA Moses is also so friendly and upbeat, helping to ease any tension you may be feeling prior to the exam. The energy both Dr. Akhtar and Moses bring was paramount to how excellent my experience was here. Given their specialty, it would be easy to have an uncomfortable experience. However, they go the extra mile to make sure you are comfortable and reassured before anything is done. I cannot recommend this practice enough. Thank you Dr. Akhtar for the genuine concern and care you provided to me! Both my body and my outlook on my health outcomes are better off because of you. ”
“ Extremely knowledgeable and personable, respectful and sensitive. She made me feel comfortable and heard, and able to move forward with next steps in a timely manner. I highly recommend her! ”
“ So glad I found Dr Akhtar. I just had my 1st banding hemorrhoid treatment. She takes the time to explain everything and answers any questions you may have. Highly recommend Dr Akhtar! ”
“ The whole office was wonderful. Dr Akhtar was excellent. She was thorough. She explained things extremely well. She answered all my questions. I... The whole office was wonderful. Dr Akhtar was excellent. She was thorough. She explained things extremely well. She answered all my questions. I never felt like she was rushing my exam. ”
“ I have never met a Dr. As Brilliant, Kind and Compassionate as Dr. Ahktar! I even told her I wish she could be my primary physician. Just beyond... I have never met a Dr. As Brilliant, Kind and Compassionate as Dr. Ahktar! I even told her I wish she could be my primary physician. Just beyond lovely inside and out. I feel very blessed to be in her care!! There is no amount of stars that would be adequate enough to express how extraordinary she is!!!! ”
“ Dr. Akhtar listens and cares about her patients, she is having new staff trained, please be patient. I have all the convenient she will ask help me. ”
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