What is Piles

We are all familiar with hemorrhoids or the more common terminology ‘Piles’. Hemorrhoids can be described as masses or cushions of tissue within the anal canal that contain blood vessels and they have surrounding, supporting tissue made up of muscle and elastic fibers. Although most people think hemorrhoids are abnormal, they are present in everyone. However, only when the hemorrhoidal cushions enlarge when the hemorrhoids cause problems and termed as “hemorrhoidal disease”.

Piles are of two types:

1)      Internal Hemorrhoids

2)      External Hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids – they are classified into four grades:

Grade 1 – There are small inflammations, usually inside the lining of the anus. They are not visible.

Grade 2 – Larger than Grade 1 hemorrhoids, and also inside the anus. When passing a stool they may get pushed out, but soon return.

Grade 3 – Often called ‘prolapsed hemorrhoids’; these appear outside the anus. The patient may feel them hanging out. They can be pushed back in if the patient presses with his/her finger.

Grade 4 – These cannot be pushed back in and need to be treated by a doctor. They are large and stay outside the anus all the time.

External hemorrhoids – called perianal hematoma. These are small lumps that are located on the outside edge of the anus. They are extremely itchy and can be painful if a blood clot forms inside (thrombosed external hemorrhoid). Thrombosed external hemorrhoid requires medical treatment straight away.