Don’t worry about it. Hemorrhoids can’t turn into cancer. They are areas where veins have become engorged and kind of pop out. External means they are outside of your anus as opposed to being inside your rectum. Hemorrhoids are commonly caused by straining to have a stool, being constipated, being pregnant, being on your feet a lot, or anything where you increase the pressure on the veins there – even weight lifting. Sometimes they will bleed a little, especially during a bout with constipation. There are many products available over the counter to deal with the discomfort they may be causing. If you have more questions, contact your doctor.

No, don’t worry about this turning into colon cancer. Hemorrhoids are basically varicose veins of the anus. They can be internal or external. Most people don’t have symptomatic hemorrhoids. Many pregnant women develop them but after delivery never have problems with them. Internal or external hemorrhoids can, at any time, become inflamed or engorged, causing anal pain. They can be associated with anal itching. It is possible for a blood clot to form in a hemorrhoid; it is possible for the hemorrhoid to then ulcerate (form a hole in the tissue). The cause is generally long-standing constipation or straining at stool. If the condition worsens you might someday need a hemorrhoidectomy. Most people who have had this procedure swear it’s a once in a lifetime thing, as they’d never have a second one!