What Should I Do If I Discover a Bump Near My Anus?

Internal Medicine, Mass General Brigham

Supervised by Suo Lee, MD

If you find a bump near your anus, it is best to get it checked by a healthcare provider to know what it is, especially if it is painful, changes size, or is accompanied by other symptoms.

Explanation

A bump near your anus can be due to different causes such as a small infection (abscess), a hemorrhoid, or another type of growth. These bumps might sometimes cause discomfort, pain, or even redness or swelling. The first step is to observe the bump: notice if it changes in size, becomes painful, or if you see other signs like fever or unusual discharge. Maintaining good hygiene by gently cleaning the area and using warm sitz baths may help if the bump is due to a minor irritation. However, because some conditions may need treatment, it is important to have a doctor examine the bump. Your healthcare provider will likely do a physical exam and may order tests to figure out what the bump is. Early evaluation can lead to better treatment and peace of mind, so don’t hesitate to get it checked if you are worried or if symptoms worsen.

(References)

Sagap I, Remzi FH. Controversies in the treatment of common anal problems. World J Gastroenterol. 2006 May 28;12(20):3146-54. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i20.3146. PMID: 16718832; PMCID: PMC4087955.
Lohsiriwat V. Anorectal emergencies. World J Gastroenterol. 2016 Jul 14;22(26):5867-78. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i26.5867. PMID: 27468181; PMCID: PMC4948271.
Sigmon DF, Emmanuel B, Tuma F. Perianal Abscess. [Updated 2023 Jun 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet].

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