How can you tell difference b/t hypertrophied anal papillae (gastro said i have this) & hemorrhoid?it's hard&solid&sometimes hurts&itches.want it gone

You can try: You can try warm sitz baths (a bathtub soak may help with the pain) and Preparation H (OTC) One Ointment I have found useful is "Derma-medicone" (ask your pharmacist. A visit to a Proctologist" is the next step!

See below: It really doesn't matter what it is. If it hurts and causes discomfort that is not received by conservative means, find a proctologist or a general surgeon and have them remove the offender.