In both of these instances, the hemorrhoids can be felt and seen as lumps or knots. Hemorrhoids also may remain inside the rectum and so cannot be felt or seen. These are called internal hemorrhoids. A common cause of hemorrhoids is simply the standing position, in which all the blood above the rectum exerts pressure on the rectal and anal areas. However, some patients will have none of these conditions and still develop hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids can produce several uncomfortable, but non-serious problems.
External hemorrhoids often cause dripping of blood from the anus while sitting on the toilet. The blood might also be seen as soiling of the underwear. Internal hemorrhoids that bleed may produce fresh blood in the stool. Hemorrhoids do not develop into cancer. However, both hemorrhoids and cancer can cause rectal bleeding.