ABOUT PILES

DO PILES HAVE GRADES / TYPES?

There are two main Types of hemorrhoids: internal and external. Internal hemorrhoids are not sensitive to touch, pain, stretch, or temperature, while external hemorrhoids are covered by skin that is very sensitive.

When talking about hemorrhoids, one needs to understand the meaning of 'prolapse'. The anal cushions are normally fastened in the sphincter by muscles and tissue. In case too much pressure is applied, as on straining, the system of securing these cushions is damaged. Subsequently, they protrude outside the anus and this protruding mass is called the prolapse.

Internal hemorrhoids are thus graded by the degree to which they have prolapsed into:

Grade 1 : Slightly enlarged hemorrhoidal tissue with no prolapse.

Grade 2 : Prolapse that protrudes on pressure but goes back on its own

Grade 3 : Prolapse that needs to be manually pushed in by the patient

Grade 4 : Prolapse that constantly remains on the outside and does not go back even on manual repositioning. At this stage they are usually painful.

External hemorrhoids usually occur as a painful lump outside the anus. In case of clot formation ( Thrombosed external hemorrhoid ), there may be severe pain.