Hemorrhoids
How is the condition diagnosed?
To diagnose hemorrhoids, your doctor will start with a medical history and physical exam.
As part of the exam, your doctor will feel for internal hemorrhoids by inserting a lubricated finger into
your rectum. This is called a digital exam. Sometimes your doctor may use a hollow, lighted tube called an
anoscope
to view internal hemorrhoids. To rule out other disorders, he or she may
order a sigmoidoscopy
or proctoscopy. These tests also use
a lighted tube, but look at your bowel, rather than your rectum. Your doctor may also order blood tests.
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