Sometimes when you have hemorrhoids you know it already because you can feel lumpiness around your anus.
If you go to the doctor, he can easily see if you have external hemorrhoids.
They are visible without the use of a medical instrument.
  However, internal hemorrhoids cannot be seen "from the outside" so the physician will take some special measures in order to come to an accurate diagnosis.
The doctor will not want to assume that rectal bleeding you have is from internal hemorrhoids because there are other, very serious, conditions that could also cause bleeding.
Many of these other disorders need immediate medical attention.
So, what additional tests are we talking about? Stool guaiac: This is a test in which a sample of stool is examined under a microscope for the presence of occult, or hidden, blood; blood that is not bright red and visible.
It is intended to determine if there is bleeding along the digestive tract.
If you are in the doctor's office and he performs a digital rectal exam, he may obtain the sample at this time.
If you are instructed to collect the sample at home, you will be given the necessary equipment and instructions.
The instructions you are given will tell you to refrain from eating red meat or foods such as raw broccoli, radishes, turnips, cantaloupe, and others because some foods may give artificially positive or inaccurate results.
You may also be told to stop certain medications, vitamins, and aspirin.
Don't start or stop any prescribed or over-the-counter medication without specific instructions from your physician.
It is important that this test be done carefully, following all instructions precisely.
Otherwise, the test results will be misleading and show either false positives or false-negatives.
This test will be part of a complete diagnostic approach.
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): The doctor will examine the inside of your rectum using a gloved and lubricated finger.
He will ask you to position yourself in whatever way he will best be able to examine you thoroughly.
(This position may be on your side, on your back with your feet elevated in stirrups, squatting on the table, or bending over the table.
Whatever position he chooses is in your best interest and will be completed in a very brief time.
) Many people find this to be an embarrassing examination.
It is important to keep it in perspective.
It will be over in a matter of minutes and will provide valuable information in determining the cause of your symptoms.
Anoscopy: Following the digital rectal exam, the physician may insert a small lighted, tube-like instrument called an anoscope into your rectum so that he may examine the area for hemorrhoids or other abnormalities, such as polyps, fissures (cracks), infection, or tumors.
He may also take a sample (biopsy) of rectal tissue at this time if he sees anything that needs further investigation.
The anoscopy is not usually a painful test though it may give the sensation of needing to empty the bowels.
Other "Scopes": If the doctor sees anything unusual or unexpected, he may recommend at this time that you have further testing to examine your bowel above the rectum.
For example, he may advise you have a proctoscope in order to view the entire rectum more in depth.
Or, he may suggest your bowel be examined higher up by means of a sigmoidoscopy, or an exam of the entire colon with a colonoscopy.
These tests are seeking causes for symptoms beyond hemorrhoids and will, therefore, not be included here.
  Have the tests you need to have so that you can have peace of mind and treatment as necessary.
There is great reason for optimism when disorders are diagnosed with speed.
Until next time.