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Surrounding your anus and lower rectum is a network of veins that can expand and contract. When these veins become inflamed or swollen, the condition is known as hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can often be uncomfortable to have, but they are usually not considered to be a serious or malignant condition. There are actually both internal and external hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids is when swollen or inflamed veins form in the lining of your anus and lower rectum. Internal and external hemorrhoids are separated by what is known as a dentate line, which is an anatomical landmark contrasting the different nerve innervations. Internal hemorrhoids can get swollen and enlarged and on occasion, bulge out of the anus, which is known as a prolapsed hemorrhoid. Internal hemorrhoids can be graded from grade one to grade four, depending on if they prolapse and if manual reduction is required to put them back in place.
