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Investigations

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Suspected haemorrhoids are investigated by:

  • examine the abdomen, groins and genitals for masses, lymphadenopathy, etc.

  • digital examination:
    • this is essential
    • helps to exclude carcinoma and provides a useful measure of anal tone
    • note that haemorrhoids are often not palpable on digital examination because they empty with pressure from the examining finger

  • proctoscopy:
    • necessary to diagnose first or second degree piles
    • piles are seen bulging into the lumen as the proctoscope is withdrawn

  • sigmoidoscopy:
    • indicated if there is a history of bleeding or there are symptoms that are suspicious of malignancy

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