Anal swelling - Causes and Symptoms

Definition

Anal swelling is generally a symptom of a protrusion of the anorectal mucosa or of a haemorrhoidal disease. In the latter case, the hemorrhoids - which are cushions of blood vessels that contribute to fecal continence - become inflamed and filled with blood, causing the supporting tissues that keep them to cede; the consequence is a lowering of the hemorrhoids, which can continue until they occasionally or permanently exit the anal opening.

Swellings, growths or nodules near the anus may be more or less sensitive and painful. Furthermore, they may be covered with skin or pink mucosa.

The inflamed hemorrhoids can be caused by various factors, such as vascular anomalies, weakening of the mucous tissue, pregnancy, obesity or poor diet and poor in fibers. Furthermore, they can also appear suddenly due to intestinal disorders (eg constipation) or excessive efforts to defecate. When these nodules are more evident and increase in volume, it means that the haemorrhoidal pathology is evolving towards more advanced stages and the swelling could be indicative of a prolapse (in practice, the hemorrhoids slide downwards along the anal canal). If the consistency of the swelling is hard, painful to the touch and dark red in color, it could be hemorrhoidal thrombosis.

More rarely, if the entire wall of the bowel is prolapsed, the anal swelling is indicative of a rectal prolapse. In this case the generalized weakness of the pelvic floor plays an important role.

A nodule of wooden consistency close to the anus could indicate the presence of a tumor.

If the swelling near the anus is characterized by pulsating, prolonged and constant pain, aggravated by coughing, sitting and defecation, and associated with fever, it is indicative of an abscess; the latter consists of a collection of pus caused by an infection of the perirectal spaces. An abscess can then become complicated in anal fistula, with leaks of feces, pus or mucus, which keep the anal region moist causing dermatitis and itching

In rare cases, anal swelling may be the onset of Crohn's disease.

Sometimes, viral infections can be called into question, transmitted mainly through sexual contact (condyloma). In this case, the swelling takes on the appearance of small warts-like growths, isolated or scattered in close proximity to the anal region.