A lump near the anus can be a source of concern, often prompting questions about its origin. While various conditions can cause such a bump, a common query is whether hemorrhoids are a possible culprit. Understanding the characteristics of different anal bumps is important for distinguishing between them and seeking appropriate care. This article provides clarity on hemorrhoids and other common causes of anal lumps.
Hemorrhoids as a Cause of Bumps
Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen veins located in the lower rectum or around the anus. They are a common condition, often resulting from increased pressure on these veins from straining during bowel movements, prolonged sitting, or chronic constipation or diarrhea.
External hemorrhoids, which form under the skin around the anus, are frequently felt as bumps. They can appear as soft, skin-colored lumps. If a blood clot forms within them, they become a thrombosed external hemorrhoid. A thrombosed hemorrhoid is a painful, firm lump that may appear bluish, purple, or dark. These can cause severe pain, swelling, and inflammation, often making sitting or walking uncomfortable. External hemorrhoids can also cause itching, irritation, and bleeding, especially when wiping.
Internal hemorrhoids develop inside the rectum and are generally not felt as bumps unless they prolapse, meaning they bulge out through the anus. A prolapsed internal hemorrhoid may appear as a small lump that can sometimes be gently pushed back inside. While internal hemorrhoids usually cause painless bleeding, a prolapsed one can result in pain and irritation.
Other Common Causes of Bumps
While hemorrhoids are a frequent cause, other conditions can also lead to bumps around the anus, each with distinct characteristics. Anal skin tags are common, often appearing as small, excess flaps of skin around the anus. These are typically painless and match the surrounding skin color, differentiating them from the often painful and discolored hemorrhoids. Skin tags can form after the swelling from a healed hemorrhoid or anal fissure subsides.
Anal warts, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), can manifest as small bumps in and around the anus. They may be flesh-colored, pink, yellow, or brownish, and can sometimes cluster together to form a cauliflower-like appearance. While often painless, anal warts can sometimes cause itching, bleeding, or discharge.
Perianal abscesses are another potential cause, presenting as painful, pus-filled lumps near the anus. These result from an infection of the anal glands and can be red, swollen, and tender to the touch, often causing throbbing pain that worsens with sitting or bowel movements. Fever and chills may also accompany an abscess.
A perianal hematoma is a collection of blood that pools under the skin around the anus due to a burst blood vessel. This appears as a dark blue or purplish lump, similar to a bruise, and can range from mildly uncomfortable to severely painful. Although sometimes mistaken for a thrombosed hemorrhoid, a perianal hematoma is distinct because it involves a ruptured blood vessel outside the anal canal, not a clot within a hemorrhoidal vein.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Given the variety of potential causes for anal bumps, it is important to seek professional medical advice for an accurate diagnosis. A healthcare provider can perform a physical examination and may conduct further tests to determine the underlying cause of the bump. This is particularly important because while many conditions are benign, some may require specific treatments or indicate more serious issues.
Certain symptoms warrant prompt medical attention. These include severe or worsening pain, especially if accompanied by fever or chills, which could indicate an infection like a perianal abscess. Uncontrolled or large amounts of rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, or pus-like discharge from the lump should also prompt a visit to a doctor. Rectal bleeding, in particular, should not be ignored, as it can be a symptom of more serious conditions, including colorectal or anal cancer. If a bump does not improve after about a week of home care, consult a healthcare provider.