These are the most common causes of minor rectal bleeding. Hemorrhoids are swollen rectal veins in the anal and rectal area. They can cause burning, painful discomfort, and bleeding. External hemorrhoids are small swellings that are easy to see and quite painful. Anal itching is common.
Internal hemorrhoids are usually painless.
A rectal mass sensation may be noted with bowel movements. Symptoms are brought on by hard stools and straining with bowel movements. Treatment focuses on relieving these symptoms with the use of stool bulking agents and softeners. In cases of thrombosed hemorrhoids, a clot forms within the swollen vein. This causes moderate to severe pain and requires minor surgery to remove them.