•  
  •  

Thrombosed Hemorrhoids

A thrombosed hemorrhoid is a condition in which a blood clot forms inside a swollen vein in the anus.

External hemorrhoids form outside the anus. This type of hemorrhoid is more likely to develop a blood clot than an internal hemorrhoid, which develops within the anal canal.

Symptoms of a thrombosed hemorrhoid include:

  • A very painful lump of soft tissue outside the anus. It may feel like a small, very tender pebble near the anus.
  • Constant pain that is made worse by passing hard stool.

Thrombosed hemorrhoids affect only the small veins near the skin surface (superficial veins). Unlike blood clots in the deep veins, blood clots in thrombosed hemorrhoids do not travel to the lungs or another part of the body and do not cause serious problems.

Home treatment may help relieve the symptoms of thrombosed hemorrhoids. Minor surgery is sometimes needed to remove a painful clot.

Last Revised: March 16, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Kenneth Bark, MD - Surgery, Colon and Rectal

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.