Hemorrhoids Hemorrhoids are swollen veins around the anus and rectum. They can be internal or external, symptomatic or without symptoms. Usually they begin between the ages of 20 and 50.
Asymptomatic hemorrhoids are normal and usually they are harmless.
There is no connection between hemorrhoids and cancer. Hemorrhoids, however, can become painful, itch and bleed. See a Doctor if the pain becomes severe, or if there is blood in your stool or on the toilet paper that does not clear up after a few weeks of home care, if there is a painful lump near your anus, or there is mucus anal discharge. Rectal bleeding can be a symptom of many different problems, some quite serious. At minimum, long term, untreated rectal bleeding can result in lowered iron and anemia.