Diagnosis

Your doctor might be able to see external hemorrhoids. Diagnosing internal hemorrhoids might include examination of your anal canal and rectum.

• Digital examination. Your doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum. He or she feels for anything unusual, such as growths.
• Visual inspection. Because internal hemorrhoids are often too soft to be felt during a rectal exam, your doctor might examine the lower portion of your colon and rectum with an anoscope, proctoscope or sigmoidoscope.

Your doctor might want to examine your entire colon using colonoscopy if:

• Your signs and symptoms suggest you might have another digestive system disease
• You have risk factors for colorectal cancer
• You are middle-aged and haven't had a recent colonoscopy