A lump near the anus can be a source of concern and discomfort. While many underlying conditions are often benign, professional medical diagnosis is necessary to determine its exact nature and ensure appropriate care.
Common Anal Bumps
Hemorrhoids, swollen veins in the rectum or anus, are a common cause of anal bumps. They are categorized as internal or external. Internal hemorrhoids form inside the rectum and typically do not cause pain unless they prolapse, or bulge out of the anus. If prolapsed, they may appear as a small lump around the anal opening and can sometimes be gently pushed back inside.
External hemorrhoids develop under the skin around the anus and are often more noticeable and symptomatic. They can cause itching, irritation, and pain, and may be visible or palpable as soft, skin-colored lumps. A specific type, the thrombosed external hemorrhoid, occurs when a blood clot forms within an external hemorrhoid. This condition often presents as a dark blue or purple lump and can cause sudden, severe pain, especially when sitting or during bowel movements.
Anal skin tags are common, harmless folds of skin that can result from healed hemorrhoids or anal fissures, which are small tears in the anal lining. They generally do not cause pain, but might lead to itching or discomfort if irritated or if they interfere with hygiene. While typically soft and flesh-colored, their appearance can vary.
Other Potential Causes
Several other conditions can manifest as anal bumps. Anal abscesses are infected cavities filled with pus that form near the anus or rectum. These often present as a painful, swollen, and tender lump, accompanied by throbbing pain that worsens with sitting, coughing, or bowel movements. Other symptoms can include redness, fever, chills, and pus discharge.
An anal fistula is an abnormal tunnel that frequently develops as a complication of an anal abscess, connecting the anal canal to the skin near the anus. Symptoms often include persistent pain, swelling, discharge of pus, blood, or even stool from a small opening near the anus, and recurrent abscesses. Unlike many other anal bumps, fistulas typically do not heal on their own and usually require surgical treatment.
Anal warts, also known as condyloma acuminata, are growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), usually transmitted through sexual contact. These warts can appear as small, soft, flesh-colored, yellow, or light brown bumps in or around the anus, sometimes clustering together to resemble a cauliflower-like appearance. While often painless, they may cause itching, bleeding, or a feeling of a lump in the anal area.
Perianal hematomas result from a ruptured blood vessel that causes blood to pool under the skin near the anus. These can appear as a dark, blue, or purplish lump and are often quite painful, with swelling and sensitivity to pressure. While they can be mistaken for thrombosed external hemorrhoids due to similar symptoms, perianal hematomas are a collection of blood outside the vein itself.
Anal polyps are abnormal growths on the inner lining of the colon or rectum, which can sometimes protrude from the anus. While most polyps are asymptomatic, larger ones might cause rectal bleeding, mucus discharge, or changes in bowel habits like constipation or diarrhea. Although many polyps are benign, some have the potential to develop into cancer over time, making their identification important.
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical attention for an anal bump if it causes severe or persistent pain, especially if it interferes with daily activities like sitting or walking. Any rectal bleeding, particularly if heavy, persistent, or involving large blood clots, warrants immediate medical evaluation.
Pus discharge from the lump or anal area can indicate an infection like an abscess or fistula. Fever or chills alongside an anal bump suggest a systemic infection. Changes in bowel habits, such as new onset constipation or diarrhea, or a rapidly growing bump that does not resolve within a week or two, also indicate the need for professional assessment.
What to Expect During a Doctor’s Visit
During a doctor’s visit for an anal bump, the doctor will discuss your symptoms and medical history. This is followed by a physical examination of the anal area. The physical exam includes a digital rectal exam (DRE), where the doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the anus to feel for lumps, tenderness, or abnormalities within the rectum.
To get a clearer view of the anal canal and lower rectum, the doctor may perform an anoscopy. This procedure involves gently inserting a short, rigid tube called an anoscope, which has a light at its end, into the anus. Anoscopy allows for direct visualization of the anal lining and can help identify conditions like hemorrhoids, fissures, or polyps. If suspicious areas are noted, a small tissue sample (biopsy) may be taken for laboratory analysis.
Based on examination findings and tests, the healthcare provider will discuss treatment approaches. Treatment options vary widely depending on the diagnosis, ranging from conservative measures for common conditions to medical procedures or surgical interventions for complex issues. A diagnosis by a healthcare professional ensures the most effective and appropriate care plan.