What Does A Lump On Anus Indicate?

Posted on Sat, 19 Apr 2014

Question: Hello, I found a small lump on my anus. It's about the size of a pea and hard. There is no pain. My stools are kind of auburn in color and a little softer than Im used to, but I do drink and that often effects that. I saw a doctors assistant in the ER and she ruled out Hemorrhoids or warts. She said it could be a cyst. It didn't look cancerous but to be safe I was given an appointment to get a rectal scope and a biopsy as i was diagnosed with HPV last year at this time. My appointment however isn't for 2 more weeks and i had my initial exam almost 3 weeks ago. Now, when I poop, it feels like the walls of my anus are poofing out. Not sore, just swelling outside the anus. They go back in when I stand for a short while. My stools are still soft and auburn. Should I go back to the emergency room or wait for my appointment at the rectal clinic. If its cancer, i fear waiting may cause it to spread.

Answered by Dr. Praveen (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Probably harmless cystic mass.Does not spread Detailed Answer: Hi.Thanks for writing on HCM. Cancer is of two types- Benign and malignant. Since you have a painless, pea sized, soft to hard mobile swelling it is most likely of benign nature and might require a surgical excision.You may not panic since this is absolutely harmful and (cells)do not spread to any other tissue/organ. Hard, fixed and painful lump have malignant or cancerous nature and these generally spread to bone, liver etc before they themselves present as a mass or I would say simply before detection/diagnosis.This is obviously not true in your case. Hope this clarifies your doubt and you may kindly revert after your appointment and I shall be glad to know about your health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Praveen (4 days later)

Thank you for your last information. New problem. I now am waking up with pain under the the bottom right of my ribcage. Might this be connected to the lump on my anus. Also, the hemerrhoids surrounding the hard pea sized lump on my anus is getting worse. Should I go to the ER or wait 2 more weeks for my appointment with the rectal clinic?

Answered by Dr. Praveen (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: I were to suggest to visit ER immediately Detailed Answer: Hi.Thanks for writing back. Infection from the anus tend to spread to the liver.I were to get an ultrasound abdomen done to rule out ascending infection from the anus.Sincerely suggest you to visit ER without any further delay. Hope this answers your query.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D