In a recent article from Patch, USA Hemorrhoid Centers in Philadelphia emphasized the importance of fiber in managing symptomatic hemorrhoids during National Nutrition Month in March. Patients who still experience symptoms after a week may need to see a hemorrhoid specialist for treatment, especially if eating more fiber fails to provide relief.
USA Hemorrhoid Centers offers an innovative, minimally-invasive treatment called hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE), which is clinically proven to reduce symptoms without the risks associated with traditional procedures. Patients interested in learning more about HAE canschedule an appointment online or by calling 855.805.4247.
Founder of USA Vein Clinics, USA Fibroid Centers, USA Vascular Centers, USA Hemorrhoid Centers, USA Pain Center, USA Prostate Centers, USA Longevity Centers and USA Oncology Centers
As the CEO of USA Clinics Group, Dr. Katsnelson has pioneered expanding minimally invasive options that provide high-quality care using the latest technology in the most advanced facilities to the communities that need it most. He also founded the Chicago Heart Institute, which was dedicated to the advanced treatments of cardiovascular diseases.
Dr. Katsnelson, M.D., completed a fellowship at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard School of Medicine, in Boston, MA. He was a faculty cardiac surgeon at the University of Chicago prior to starting his Cardiovascular and Thoracic private practice in Chicago Northwest suburbs. Dr. Yan Katsnelson was the first U.S. surgeon to perform the double valve replacement using Biocor™ tissue valve. His clinical areas of expertise included minimally invasive valve surgery, complex aortic operations, re-operative coronary and valve surgery, and beating-heart (off-pump) bypass surgery. He is published in various medical and scientific journals.
Dr. Yan Katsnelson’s Vision for Healthcare
His vision of healthcare combines advanced medical and informational technology and creates a unique, data-driven approach that enables individualized treatment planning and achieves consistent outcomes. He developed a comprehensive healthcare management platform to optimize each patient’s experience before, during and after an appointment with streamlined scheduling, insurance verification, prior authorizations, clinical decision-management support, and treatment process quality assurance.
Dr. Yan Katsnelson together with his wife also started the Fibroid Fighters Foundation to advance the cause of women’s health and the safe and effective minimally invasive treatment of uterine fibroids. He is member of the international Save a Child’s Heart that provides life-saving cardiac treatment to children from underdeveloped countries. Dr Katsnelson leads development of ECHO assisted technology that enables screening of thousands of children worldwide.
Other Organizations
Founder of the Chicago Heart Institute
American Medical Association
American Vein and Lymphatic Society [American College of Phlebology]
Cardiothoracic Surgery Network [Chicago]
Chicagoland Association of Russian-speaking Physicians
Society of Thoracic Surgery
Honors and Awards
1990: Ural Medical Academy, Russia
2002: American Heart Saver, American Heart Association Award
2005: Nation’s First Double Implant of New St. Jude Tissue Heart Valve
Each March, physicians’ dedication and invaluable contributions are recognized on National Doctors’ Day. At USA Hemorrhoid Centers, we want to recognize our doctors every day for their expertise, compassion, and commitment to patient-centered care.
See Our Team Share Their Perspective
To understand what drives our physicians, our CEO and Founder, Yan Katsnelson, MD, recently shared the vision behind USA Clinics Group, a large network of outpatient clinics, which includes USA Hemorrhoid Centers. The philosophy shared by our team of specialists is simple: to improve lives by making effective treatments more accessible and convenient, allowing patients to return to their daily routines without painful symptoms.
Katsnelson described his time as a heart surgeon as a transformative experience. Restoring heart function was deeply rewarding, but he saw the potential for less invasive procedures to achieve similar, impactful results.
“That’s the magic of today’s medicine, minimally invasive treatments for very common conditions,” said Dr. Katsnelson. “Procedures with minimal to no risk and extraordinary outcomes.”
This commitment drives USA Hemorrhoid Centers to focus on providing nonsurgical hemorrhoid treatments for chronic symptoms that significantly impact patients’ daily lives.
Dr. Katsnelson’s transition from performing complex surgeries to pioneering a patient-first philosophy of care was driven by outcomes. He saw firsthand how advanced techniques could offer relief without hospitalization, long recovery times, or invasive procedures.
“Patients who had struggled with discomfort and embarrassment for years were suddenly able to find relief with a quick, outpatient procedure,” Dr. Katsnelson recalled. “Seeing how much their daily lives improved was incredibly motivating.”
Katsnelson believes medicine extends beyond treating individual patients, it’s about building a system rooted in consistency and compassion to ensure care is accessible and effective for all. This approach allows thousands of patients to receive treatment from highly skilled physicians without lengthy recovery times.
Ensuring consistent, high-quality patient care is at the heart of USA Hemorrhoid Centers’ mission. Dr. Katsnelson emphasized the importance of standardized protocols, rigorous training, and state-of-the-art management systems that integrate clinical best practices. This structured approach allows our specialists to provide accessible and advanced treatment in every community we serve.
Recognizing the impact of minimally invasive treatments offered, USA Clinics Group was launched to offer care for conditions including varicose and spider veins, knee arthritis, peripheral artery disease (PAD), enlarged prostates, hemorrhoids, uterine fibroids, and preventative CT scans.
A core principle at USA Hemorrhoid Centers is ensuring that patients, especially those in underserved communities, have access to the advanced care they need. Dr. Katsnelson and our team of specialists are passionate about eliminating barriers to treatment and providing solutions that allow individuals to live more comfortably.
“I became a doctor because I wanted to make a real difference in people’s lives. Seeing patients regain their comfort and confidence after struggling with a condition for years is incredibly fulfilling.” – Dr. Stephanie Spano
“Medicine has always been about more than just treatment for me—it’s about listening to patients, understanding their concerns, and helping them find solutions that improve their daily lives.” – Dr. Jeffrey Gunzenhauser
“I was drawn to medicine because I wanted to provide effective care to those in need. Helping patients return to their routines without pain through minimally invasive treatments is what drives me every day.” – Dr. Sanjeev Saxena
Patient Success Stories
Alexis B. – The staff at USA Hemorrhoid Centers was incredible. They kept me informed throughout the entire process and checked in often to make sure I was comfortable. I’m so glad I went through with the treatment and excited to see the improvements.
Abe K. – I’m really happy I chose USA Hemorrhoid Centers. The staff is friendly and professional, and the doctor made me feel completely at ease, taking the time to answer all my questions. The whole experience has been amazing—I couldn’t be happier.
Our values focus on “I CARE” which encompasses integrity, compassion, accountability, respect and excellence. We care about every individual’s unique health condition and our treatment plans are tailored to each patient.
USA Hemorrhoid Centers recently announced the opening of three locations in Queens, NY. The AAAHC-accredited outpatient clinic now operates in 17 locations across the New York Metro Area, including:
260 W Sunrise Hwy in Valley Stream, one mile from Queens’ border.
USA Hemorrhoid Centers is known for using hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE), an innovative procedure that treats hemorrhoids with minimal risks and side effects. With a success rate of over 90 percent, HAE is a viable option for patients who don’t want to undergo surgery or rubber band ligation. For more information, patients can schedule a consultation online or call 855.805.4247.
A recent article from Patch highlights the opening of USA Hemorrhoid Centers’ locations in Manhattan, NY. The renowned AAAHC-accredited USA Hemorrhoid Centers operates in 17 locations in New York City, including the six Manhattan locations:
USA Hemorrhoid Centers offers hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE), a minimally-invasive treatment that locates the blood flow supplying hemorrhoids and blocks it. When blood flow to the hemorrhoid stops, the hemorrhoid shrinks, alleviating the painful symptoms. For more information about HAE, schedule a consultation online or call 855.805.4247.
USA Hemorrhoid Centers recently announced the expansion of their services in Brooklyn with the opening of four more clinics in the Big Apple. The AAAHC-accredited provider of minimally-invasive hemorrhoid treatments now operates in the following locations:
USA Hemorrhoid Centers offers a different kind of hemorrhoid treatment known as hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE). Traditional procedures, such as rubber band ligation, can have a painful recovery time. HAE has minimal side effects and is virtually painless, with effective results and fewer risks.
Hemorrhoids typically last from a few days to several weeks. However, some internal hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins located inside the rectum, won’t heal on their own. They require medical treatment to help the hemorrhoid tissue shrink, and they can become increasingly severe if left untreated.
These persistent hemorrhoids can cause painful symptoms, including anal itching, blood in the stool, and bowel discomfort. If they become prolapsed, meaning they fall outside of the anus, they can also be intensely painful. Ongoing hemorrhoid symptoms can impact the quality of your everyday life. Additionally, the longer you have internal hemorrhoids, the greater the risk of complications, so it’s important to know when to see a doctor because of hemorrhoids.
Knowing how to recognize symptoms for different types of hemorrhoids and what to expect in terms of duration can help you determine when to see a doctor.
How Long Do Internal Hemorrhoids Last?
Internal hemorrhoids usually sit inside the rectum and can vary in their duration. The duration depends on a few factors, such as whether the person experiences symptoms because internal hemorrhoids can be asymptomatic. When an internal hemorrhoid prolapses, patients may notice symptoms that can intensify, including anal itching, irritation, discomfort, and blood in the stool or on toilet paper. Other factors such as constipation, diarrhea, pregnancy, age, and weight can also impact the duration of the internal hemorrhoid. If the internal hemorrhoid doesn’t go away within a week or so, patients should consider getting medical treatment for their hemorrhoid.
If an internal hemorrhoid is large enough to cause symptoms, such as blood in the toilet bowl or on toilet paper after a bowel movement, anal itching, irritation, and discomfort, it may last several weeks or more. An internal hemorrhoid that prolapses or causes severe symptoms might persist until it’s treated.
How Long Do External Hemorrhoids Last?
External hemorrhoids, which are hard, tender lumps around the anus, can often last a few days; however, they may take longer to resolve. This depends on the size of the external hemorrhoid and other factors that may prolong its time frame, such as friction from wiping. Generally, over-the-counter medications and at-home treatments can help alleviate or reduce symptoms.
How Long Do Thrombosed Hemorrhoids Last?
A thrombosed hemorrhoid can last for two to three weeks or longer. A thrombosed hemorrhoid occurs when an external or internal hemorrhoid fills with one or more blood clots. They can be very painful and swollen, impacting walking, sitting, or passing a stool.
Sometimes, the blood clots diminish in a couple of weeks, but the hemorrhoid doesn’t necessarily go away. If there’s too much pressure, a thrombosed hemorrhoid can rupture. A ruptured hemorrhoid can cause intense pain and bleeding. It can also increase your risk of infection, especially if the thrombosed hemorrhoid is external.
Factors That Affect Internal Hemorrhoid Healing
An internal hemorrhoid that doesn’t heal within a week or two should be seen by a specialist. But, what factors impact how quickly an internal hemorrhoid heals?
Severity of the hemorrhoid. If an internal hemorrhoid is very swollen and enlarged, it’s more likely to prolapse or cause more persistent symptoms that require treatment. Typically, grade-1 hemorrhoids are most likely to heal on their own. Later-stage hemorrhoids are more likely to require medical treatment.
Lifestyle factors. Eating a high-fiber diet, staying hydrated, and being physically active can promote faster healing.
Underlying health conditions that may prolong symptoms. Being overweight or pregnant can put pressure on the rectum, making it harder for hemorrhoids to heal. Constipation also puts pressure on the veins in the lower rectum and anus, which can cause hemorrhoids and lead to worsening symptoms and slower healing.
If your hemorrhoids aren’t healing or if symptoms persist, it may be time to consider a more advanced solution. USA Hemorrhoid Centers offers a modern treatment for internal hemorrhoids that has fewer risks and a shorter recovery than hemorrhoid surgery. Hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE) is a good option for most cases of internal hemorrhoids that don’t go away on their own.
Hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE) is a non-surgical treatment for internal hemorrhoids. It targets the blood flow causing the hemorrhoids, helping to reduce inflammation, swelling, and other symptoms, and has been proven to provide effective, long-term relief. HAE has a 97% clinical success rate.
The benefits of choosing HAE over traditional treatment surgical methods are that it doesn’t involve removing or cutting any tissue. The procedure isn’t painful, and there’s less risk of bleeding or an infection. HAE can be performed in an outpatient setting, and most people can return to their normal activity levels within a few days.
When to See a Doctor for Hemorrhoids
If you notice internal hemorrhoid symptoms for more than a week or two, or if the hemorrhoid prolapses and becomes painful, it’s important to see a hemorrhoid doctor. You should see a doctor if you notice signs of an infection, such as intense swelling or a fever.
You can try over-the-counter hemorrhoid treatments, such as a cream or suppository, to relieve the swelling and inflammation. At-home care, such as soaking in a sitz bath (a shallow bath) and ice packs, can also bring relief. Additionally, avoiding prolonged sitting for long periods, adding fiber to the diet, drinking enough water, and exercising can support healing. If there is blood in the stool, anal itching, and other internal hemorrhoid symptoms persist after a week or two despite home care methods, schedule a consultation so you can get the treatment you need for lasting relief.
There is no set duration for how long hemorrhoids last. External hemorrhoids generally go away eventually without treatment, although they can last several weeks or longer. Internal hemorrhoids generally last longer than external hemorrhoids, but can cause chronic symptoms that may need medical treatment.
Can hemorrhoids come back after treatment?
Yes, hemorrhoids can come back after treatment. Addressing risk factors for hemorrhoids, such as constipation, being sedentary, and eating a low-fiber diet, can help reduce the chances of hemorrhoids returning.
Is it bad to have hemorrhoids for long periods of time?
Hemorrhoids themselves aren’t dangerous. However, having hemorrhoids for long periods increases your risk for developing more severe symptoms or complications, such as an infection or severe pain and bleeding from a thrombosed hemorrhoid that ruptures.
Hemorrhoids, those uncomfortable and often embarrassing lumps around your anus, are a common concern for many. But what happens when symptoms overlap with something more serious, like colorectal cancer? March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, an important time to understand the differences and similarities between these two conditions. Some may attribute their symptoms to ‘just hemorrhoids’, potentially delaying a proper diagnosis until their symptoms become more severe.
With colorectal cancer affecting approximately one in 24 people and becoming increasingly prevalent in younger adults, it’s important to recognize the signs and when to seek medical advice.1
Hemorrhoids, which are swollen blood vessels in or around the anus, are not a sign of colorectal cancer (also known as colon cancer). However, symptoms of hemorrhoids, such as rectal bleeding, can indicate cancer when paired with other symptoms. This is where confusion often arises, and why it’s important to stay vigilant about your colorectal health. If your symptoms are related to internal hemorrhoids, USA Hemorrhoid Centers can help.
Hemorrhoids are uncomfortable swollen veins around the anus, and it’s estimated that about one in 10 people experience them. Hemorrhoids can affect people of any age, but they are most common in people between the ages of 45 and 65.
Hemorrhoids come into two forms: internal and external. External hemorrhoids are located around the anus and are more noticeable. They also tend to be more painful than internal hemorrhoids because of their location, which has more nerve endings.
No matter whether they are internal or external, hemorrhoids can cause a range of painful symptoms including:
Bleeding
Itching around the anus
Mucus discharge
Feelings of fullness after defecating
Uncomfortable bowel movements
Hemorrhoid symptoms often improve within a few days to a week and are generally benign. It’s important to be aware, however, that internal hemorrhoids can take longer to heal and may get progressively worse. When internal hemorrhoids are left untreated, they can start to protrude out of the anus, a condition known as prolapse. Prolapsed hemorrhoids can cause significant pain and may need medical interventions to treat them, such as hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE).
These ribbons represent the fight against cancer, and each color represents a specific type. Colorectal cancer’s ribbon is dark blue.
Colorectal Cancer: What You Need to Know
Colorectal cancer is a polyp that forms inside the colon or rectum. Most polyps are benign but have the potential to turn into cancer. Out of the 150 thousand people diagnosed with colon cancer each year, a third of them will not survive.
Colorectal cancer mainly affects adults over the age of 50, but genetics can also play a role in cancer risk. Your risk can also increase if you:
Eat a diet high in red meat or low in fiber.
Smoke or used to smoke.
Are overweight or obese.
Have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Some of these risk factors, such as eating a low-fiber diet and having IBD, are also risk factors for hemorrhoids.
Early-stage colon cancer doesn’t usually present symptoms. However, some symptoms of colorectal cancer, such as rectal bleeding, can also overlap with hemorrhoid symptoms, including:
Chronic abdominal pain, cramps, or gas
Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, very thin stools, or bloating)
Incomplete bowel movements due to blockage
Fatigue
Unintentional weight loss
In this case, a gastroenterologist or oncologist may be the best option in finding care for colorectal cancer.
Hemorrhoids vs Cancer: How to Tell the Difference
Hemorrhoids and colorectal cancer can share similar symptoms, but these symptoms can present differently. The table below illustrates the difference.
Symptoms
Hemorrhoids
Colorectal Cancer
Rectal Bleeding
Bright red blood, often painless
Dark red blood mixed with stool, persistent bleeding
Bowel Habit Changes
Temporary changes, often linked to diet
Persistent changes with unexplained constipation or diarrhea
Pain and Discomfort
In prolapsed hemorrhoids, pain localizes in the anus, often while sitting down
Polyps can cause abdominal or back pain
Even if you experience most of these symptoms, it’s important not to self-diagnose. Gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis can have similar symptoms.
A hemorrhoid specialist may be able to determine what’s causing your symptoms and recommend the best course of action. USA Hemorrhoid Centers can discuss non-surgical treatment options if your symptoms are synonymous with hemorrhoids.
Early detection and treatment of colorectal cancer significantly improve survival rates, with stage I at a 91 percent survival rate compared to only 15 percent for stage IV. It’s recommended to start colon cancer screenings after 45, and younger if you have a family history. Some diagnostic tests to identify hemorrhoids, such as colonoscopy, can be used to detect colorectal cancer.
When Hemorrhoid Treatment is Required
Some hemorrhoids are not able to go away after a week despite using natural remedies. If you are experiencing hemorrhoid symptoms for more than a week, you may need medical treatment. Additionally, you should seek help from a hemorrhoid specialist if you have:
If a hemorrhoid is left intreated, you increase your risk of blood clots in the affected area, known as thrombosed hemorrhoids. You are also at an increased risk of developing anemia, anal fissures, or an infection. The earlier hemorrhoids are treated, the risk of complications decreases.
Treatment at USA Hemorrhoid Centers
If your symptoms are caused by hemorrhoids, USA Hemorrhoid Centers specializes in treating hemorrhoids with hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE).
HAE is an innovative, minimally-invasive procedure that’s designed to reduce blood flow to the hemorrhoid and alleviate symptoms for lasting relief. No incisions are made, and the procedure doesn’t come with a week-long, residual pain like rubber band ligation does.
If your symptoms are more consistent with hemorrhoids, such as painless rectal bleeding, itching, or mucus discharge, contact us by calling or scheduling an appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can hemorrhoids cause cancer?
Hemorrhoids do not cause cancer, but symptoms of colorectal cancer can sometimes overlap with hemorrhoids and can happen simultaneously.
Do hemorrhoids increase colorectal cancer risk?
Hemorrhoids do not increase colorectal cancer risk, but both conditions share similar risk factors such as diet, age, smoking status, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Can colorectal cancer be mistaken for hemorrhoids?
Colorectal cancer can be misdiagnosed as hemorrhoids, especially in younger people. This can lead to delayed treatment and increase mortality risk.
What are the top two signs of colorectal cancer?
Major indicators of colorectal cancer include persistent diarrhea or constipation in addition to dark, red blood in the stool.
