Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesWhat It Looks LikeTreatmentWhen to See a ProviderTreatmentsComplicationsIntimacy With an Anal Lump
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
What It Looks Like
Treatment
When to See a Provider
Treatments
Complications
Intimacy With an Anal Lump
A lump in or outside of the anus is often a sign ofhemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids sometimes cause pain and can be itchy. Many times with anal lumps, there is no symptom except for the lump.
This article will discusshemorrhoidsand the other causes of lumps near the anus. It will also cover treatment options and when to contact a healthcare provider.
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Causes of Hard or Soft Lumps Near the Anus
Hemorrhoidsare a common cause of lumps around the anus. They are swollenveinsthat can form either on the outside or around the anus. They can also be found inside the lining of the anus and lower rectum.
Non-Hemorrhoidal Causes
Risk Factors for HemorrhoidsHemorrhoids affect approximately 1 in 20 people in the United States, with about half of people over the age of 50 having hemorrhoids. Below are the risk factors for developing hemorrhoids:PregnancyLowfiber dietStraining during bowel movementsLifting heavy objectsChronicconstipationor diarrheaSitting too long on the toilet
Risk Factors for Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids affect approximately 1 in 20 people in the United States, with about half of people over the age of 50 having hemorrhoids. Below are the risk factors for developing hemorrhoids:PregnancyLowfiber dietStraining during bowel movementsLifting heavy objectsChronicconstipationor diarrheaSitting too long on the toilet
Hemorrhoids affect approximately 1 in 20 people in the United States, with about half of people over the age of 50 having hemorrhoids. Below are the risk factors for developing hemorrhoids:
How a Lump in or Around the Anus Looks
Lumps in and around the anus can vary in appearance. The symptoms of hemorrhoids include:
It can be helpful to use a mirror to look at the lumps to see the appearance and find any changes or bleeding.
How to Treat an Anal Lump at Home
A healthcare provider should guide treatments for other types of lumps near the anus.
Many conditions can cause a lump near the anus. Below are reasons to see a healthcare provider:
A provider will evaluate the lump, request any necessary testing, and determine the best treatment plan.
Prescribed and Surgical Anal Lump Treatment
When the lump does not improve with at-home treatment or is too severe, then a healthcare provider may suggest a procedure to remove it.
In-office hemorrhoid treatments include:
Sometimessurgical proceduresare necessary for hemorrhoids. Ahemorrhoidectomyis when a surgeon surgically removes the hemorrhoids.
Complications When a Lump in the Anus Does Not Go Away
The complications of a lump in the anus will vary based on its cause.
A hemorrhoid will be painful and can bleed. It can interfere with daily activities, making it hard to sit and move around.
Anal warts are one of the known causes of anal cancer.
Anorectal abscess can cause ananal fistulaor a body-wide infection calledsepsis.
Intimacy and Communication With an Anal Lump
An anal lump can make someone feel uncomfortable during intimacy. It’s important to have conversations early on in relationships to let partners know about the lump and its cause to relieve any concerns.
Summary
Hemorrhoids often cause lumps near or around the anus. These lumps are swollen blood vessels that can be painful and itchy. Many times there are no other symptoms except for the lump.Other causes of lumps near the anus are anal warts, abscesses, skin tags, and cancer. Contact a healthcare provider if you are unsure of the cause of your lump.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Hemorrhoids. November 2023.MedlinePlus.Anorectal abscess. April 2022.MedlinePlus.Genital warts. November 2022.Children’s Wisconsin.Anal fissures and anal skin tags. February 2024.American Cancer Society.What is anal cancer?November 2017.American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons.Anal cancer.National Institute of Health.Definition & fact of hemorrhoids. October 2016.Nemours KidsHealth.Genital warts (HPV). January 2021.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Hemorrhoids. November 2023.MedlinePlus.Anorectal abscess. April 2022.MedlinePlus.Genital warts. November 2022.Children’s Wisconsin.Anal fissures and anal skin tags. February 2024.American Cancer Society.What is anal cancer?November 2017.American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons.Anal cancer.National Institute of Health.Definition & fact of hemorrhoids. October 2016.Nemours KidsHealth.Genital warts (HPV). January 2021.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Hemorrhoids. November 2023.MedlinePlus.Anorectal abscess. April 2022.MedlinePlus.Genital warts. November 2022.Children’s Wisconsin.Anal fissures and anal skin tags. February 2024.American Cancer Society.What is anal cancer?November 2017.American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons.Anal cancer.National Institute of Health.Definition & fact of hemorrhoids. October 2016.Nemours KidsHealth.Genital warts (HPV). January 2021.
MedlinePlus.Hemorrhoids. November 2023.
MedlinePlus.Anorectal abscess. April 2022.
MedlinePlus.Genital warts. November 2022.
Children’s Wisconsin.Anal fissures and anal skin tags. February 2024.
American Cancer Society.What is anal cancer?November 2017.
American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons.Anal cancer.
National Institute of Health.Definition & fact of hemorrhoids. October 2016.
Nemours KidsHealth.Genital warts (HPV). January 2021.
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