Posts Tagged ‘anus problems’

Lumps near anus

Monday, March 31st, 2008

Question: I have two small lumps near my anus, which sometimes discharge blood and yellowish fluid, and then disappear for a while. They feel uncomfortable and I would like them to go away. Please advise.
You could be suffering from one of a number of conditions including piles, fistulae or cysts. There are also a number of rarer possibilities. It will be necessary for a doctor to closely examine one of the less attractive parts of your anatomy in order to make the appropriate diagnosis.
Almost certainly you will need some form of surgery to remove the cause of your discomfort.
If piles are present, injecting into the piles, or placing a small rubber band around the base of them may cure the problem, but in some cases, surgical excision is the only option.
A fistula is a microscopic tube that connects the inside of the gut just inside of the gut just inside the anus, to the skin beside the anus. These tubes become infected and painful periodically, and then discharge pus and blood. The only treatment is surgical.
A cyst can occur on any part of the skin, and may occur on your back as readily as your anus. There are many different types of cysts, including those that can be caused by blocked sweat or oil glands, ingrown hair, or infected hair follicles. Although these can burst and drain, they usually return unless they are cut out completely.
Don’t continue to suffer discomfort for months, suffer embarrassment for a few minutes instead, and see a doctor soon.

Ring around anus

Monday, March 31st, 2008

Question: I have a very dark red, sometimes purplish colour ring around the opening of my anus. I’m too scared to go to the doctor in case it might be cancer. I’m extremely worried I’m going to die!
There are many possible explanations for the discolouration around your anus, that vary from dermatitis, to fungal infections and piles; but the most likely explanation is that you are seeing a prominent vein that normally runs around the anus. Trying to diagnose your condition without seeing the relevant part of your anatomy, is rather like trying to play chess without being able to see the board— very difficult and liable to be wrong!
You are foolish not to consult your GP if this is worrying you so much. It is extremely unlikely to be anything serious, and your doctor can therefore give you a large dose of reassurance, and if necessary, the appropriate medication to cure the problem.
In the unlikely event that it is a significant problem, seeing your doctor sooner rather than later will make the problem far easier to cure. Embarrassment is no excuse, as both male and female doctors are readily available, and both ate very used to examining the most intimate parts of your anatomy without blushing, making sexist remarks or rude jokes.