I have a lump that looks like a hemorrhoid in my anus. What is the cause?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have a lump that looks like hemorrhoids in my anus. I have had it for a very long time. Lately, my bowel habits have changed. I am constipated most of the time, although I admit my diet is not ideal. I do not eat many fibery foods, and I eat mostly takeaways and cold drinks. The hemorrhoids are not painful, but they tend to get bigger sometimes. I went to a gastroenterologist, but he never looked at them. He just gave me a cream, but they did not help the hemorrhoids much. They are not painful. My bowel habits are changing for such a long period (one year now), I start to think it might be more serious. I had rectal bleeding twice in the last two years. My stool is not dark or bloody. Usually, light brown, and it changes inconsistency. Sometimes small lumps, sometimes long strips. I am usually constipated, though. Is it possible that milk, cheese, and fizzy drinks are causing this? I also notice many pimples around my chest and back area lately, especially the chest and back of the neck and lower head area. I am again feeling tired a lot and nauseous. I do not vomit, feel nauseous for a while, and then it gets better. I am currently taking Librax.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concerns. The presence of non-bleeding, non-painful hemorrhoids is not a problem at all. Grade 2 hemorrhoids are those which tend to come with stools and tend to go back spontaneously. It does not require treatment except to observe. Constipation is an issue, but please be guided that some change in consistency, form, and color of stools is a norm rather than a pathology or disease. However, persistent hard stools with long sitting times in the restroom are abnormal. However, I do not believe there is anything really serious in you. But I am asking for a certain investigation that would exclude things if serious. The plan is to suggest you some medicines to help with your constipation but let me be honest with you. I do not see that they will help as much unless you try to lose some weight. Obesity can cause a significant burden not only over the gut but to every other organ in the body, namely the liver, heart, muscles, joints. Reducing weight would add helping your bowels as well. Plus, I will suggest you some investigations to rule out thyroid, diabetes, and cholesterol issues. First, try to change your diet. This is one of many other important things to prevent constipation, tiredness, mental fog, etc. Try to consume fresh vegetables, whole fruits (not juices of any kind) and avoid soda drinks, including energy drinks. Take atleast three liters of water in a day. Do exercise regularly and do it on an empty stomach before having meals.