Most patients assume "it's just hemorrhoids," but the majority of patients presenting with symptoms in the anal or rectal area have a diagnosis other than symptomatic hemorrhoids. Sometimes it's an infection or a tear in the lining of the anal canal called an anal fissure, and sometimes it's cancer.

Can piles be a symptom of something else?

These symptoms can vary a lot between individuals. They may also be caused by problems other than piles, such as inflammatory bowel disease, anal cancer, bowel cancer and an anal fissure (tear). So, if you have any of these symptoms, contact your GP for advice – don't just assume they're caused by piles.

What causes piles other than constipation?

Piles are collections of tissue and vein that become inflamed and swollen. The size of piles can vary, and they are found inside or outside the anus. Piles occur due to chronic constipation, chronic diarrhea, lifting heavy weights, pregnancy, or straining when passing a stool.