Bump on anus
General
A bulge is basically a bulging of skin or tissue, which can have many causes. A bump on the anus can have several specific causes. Bumps can be both painful and painless, and in the latter case they are often discovered by accident. Some bumps are permanent while others are only present at certain times, such as immediately after a bowel movement. Depending on the cause, the therapy is completely different and sometimes completely unnecessary. A doctor should be consulted for clarification.
Causes of a bump on the anus
One possible cause is an abscess. As anywhere on the body, this can also occur in the anus. Inflamed, itchy rashes are also possible.
Hemorrhoids can also appear bump-like.
Rectal cancer is also a possible cause and should be ruled out by a doctor. As everywhere on the body, benign fatty tissue tumors, so-called lipomas, can also occur in the anus. An enlarged proctodeal gland can also be a possible cause.
Another possibility is intestinal prolapse, in which the rectum bulges outward.
Read more about the topics here:
- abscess
- hemorrhoids
- Rectal cancer
Abscess on the buttocks
Abscesses are collections of pus in a connective tissue capsule. These can occur anywhere on the body and are in most cases very painful. The most common cause of an abscess is a local infection with the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. This can have reached the affected area from the outside, or it can have migrated there via the blood.
Since there is a risk of blood poisoning if bacteria enter the blood, an abscess should not be pushed around. Instead, in most cases, surgical opening of the abscess cavity is necessary. The pus and submerged tissue are removed and the wound is left open so that pus can continue to drain. The abscess cavity is also rinsed with a disinfectant. The pain often gets significantly better immediately after the operation. The operation takes place under local or regional anesthesia. Here, for example, breeches anesthesia, which is similar to spinal anesthesia, is suitable. The wound must be kept clean after the operation.
Bump after a bowel movement
There are two typical causes of a bump that only shows up after a bowel movement. The most common possibility is a hemorrhoid disease, which in the second stage is still able to slide back into the anus on its own. In the later stage, the bump is permanent and not just present after a bowel movement.
The other, much less common, reason is an intestinal prolapse. Here, the end of the intestine turns inside out and, depending on the severity, can also slide back itself. Intestinal prolapse is usually painless.
Lump without pain
Pain is a typical symptom of inflammation. An abscess can be ruled out almost immediately without pain. Intestinal prolapse is usually painless, but requires treatment. Malignant diseases are not always accompanied by pain, so painless swelling should be clarified by a doctor. Hemorrhoids can also be painless at the beginning, but they can also be accompanied by severe pain, which is why an exclusion is not possible here.
diagnosis
The diagnosis is made gradually. First, the doctor will clarify whether the bump is permanent or just after a bowel movement. The painfulness is also an important indicator. An inspection will then take place and the doctor will check whether signs of inflammation are visible and whether the bump is recognizable. To check whether a malignant disease is present, the doctor can carry out a digital rectal examination in which the anus is scanned up to the middle sphincter with the finger. If the findings are unclear, a biopsy (tissue sample) can also be taken.
Which doctor treats this
The first point of contact is usually the family doctor, who can also treat some causes directly himself. Referral to a surgeon may be necessary for abscesses or hemorrhoids. A proctological examination can also be useful to clarify malignant diseases. Gynecologists can also take over the initial treatment if the women feel that they are in better hands with their gynecologist. Depending on the cause, another doctor may be necessary for further treatment, but the initial examination can always be carried out by the family doctor.
Concomitant symptoms
If the bump is caused by an abscess or other inflammation, there are five typical symptoms. The first main symptom is pain, which is also called Dolor in technical terms and is often the reason for a doctor's visit. The second symptom is swelling, but the term tumor does not mean cancer. Increased blood flow leads to reddening and warming, called rubor and calor. In the case of an inflammation of the anus, a functional impairment, Functio laesa, can also be reported, as the defecation becomes very unpleasant. Other causes of a bump may also make it itchy.
In the case of a malignant disease, those affected can report the so-called B symptoms. These include severe, unwanted weight loss, fever and night sweats. In this case, a possible tumor disease must be clarified. Depending on the location of the bump, there may also be impaired emptying. This can mean both constipation and diarrhea. Fecal incontinence is also possible.
Typical liver symptoms such as yellowing of the skin and a water belly are possible with hemorrhoids caused by a backlog of blood in liver diseases.
Itching of a bump on the anus
Allergic reactions, for example to new underwear, can lead to an itchy rash. Itching is also sometimes described with hemorrhoids. Some sexually transmitted diseases can also lead to itchy lumps in the anal area. The itching can usually be soothed with ointments, but the cause should still be looked for. Some parasitic diseases also lead to severe itching in the anus area.
In the case of itching and the associated scratching, entry ports for bacteria can arise, which lead to further symptoms.
You can find more information on the subject here: Itching of the anus
Treatment of a bump on the anus
Treatment depends heavily on the cause. Hemorrhoids that slide back on their own do not require treatment. For severe grades, treatment with ointments or even surgical therapy can be useful. In the case of venous hemorrhoids due to liver disease, treatment of the cause is necessary.
Intestinal prolapse always requires treatment and usually requires surgical treatment.
Surgical therapy is also required in most cases for an abscess.
Itchy lumps caused by an infection must be treated causally and can be treated with antibiotic ointments, for example. Itch-relieving ointments can also be used. In the case of allergies, antihistamines or cortisone can be used both locally and systemically.
Malignant diseases need to be looked after by an oncologist. Here, an individual therapy is composed of radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery.
Duration and forecast
The duration and prognosis also depend heavily on the cause. In the case of hemorrhoids and intestinal prolapse, surgical treatment can lead directly and permanently to freedom from symptoms.
In the case of abscesses, rapid improvement can also be expected after the abscess cavity has healed.
Infectious diseases are also easily curable. In this case, however, the treatment takes a few days to weeks or may even be necessary for life.
In the case of tumor diseases, the type of tumor and the stage at the start of treatment are decisive.
