Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Does A Small Pea-sized Lump Inside The Rectum Pose A Serious Concern?
Question: For about 9 months I have had anal itching (not in one location, but around the entire perimeter of the anus. I had attributed this to weight gain and stretched skin/stretch marks as I had this exact same thing in the thigh area previously. Upon recent examination, I noticed a small, smooth, firm pea-sized lump inside the rectum (about an inch in) on left side. It may be slightly oval, going up and down. It is firmly on the rectum wall. I can move the interior rectum skin over it, but the lump is stationary. I have no bleeding, no weightloss (I have had weight gain), no lethargy, no famliy history of rectal/anal cancer, etc. I do sit an enormous amount for work and 2 days ago I did a 10 mile hike which stressed my legs, buttocks and lower back. This lump could have been there for months or for a day... it is not an area that I usually check. Does this sound nefarious?
Brief Answer:
Local care, multivitamins - proper diagnosis of the lump asap.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
As you have rightly mentioned, peri-anal itching can be due to a skin condition enhanced by retention of sweating and so on.
The cause can be related to entero-colitis.
This is usually associated with deficiency of vitamins, minerals and trace elements.
Hence I would advise you the following:
-Keep the area clean and dry.
-Avoid hot and humid temperature.
-Try to be in an atmosphere that gives the least sweating.
-Walk around in between the work period as continuous sitting will accumulate sweat and its contents.
Having stretch marks indicates that the integrity of the skin is reduced hence you should take multivitamins with mineral supplements.
As for the lump that you have noticed inside the rectum, if you can glide the mucosa over it, it is less likely to be cancer or so. But needs confirmation by the following ways:
-Blood: tumor markers like CEA, C-19-9, PSA and whichever your Doctor would advise.
-Per-rectal examination by a General Surgeon, ano=proctoscopy, colonoscopy; CT scan or MRI as would be advised for known the exact cause and get the exact management as needed.
Earlier the better. Even knowing this to be a benign one is needed asap.
I hope this answer helps you.
Please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap in communication.
Regards,
Dr. T Chandrakant, General Surgeon
Local care, multivitamins - proper diagnosis of the lump asap.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
As you have rightly mentioned, peri-anal itching can be due to a skin condition enhanced by retention of sweating and so on.
The cause can be related to entero-colitis.
This is usually associated with deficiency of vitamins, minerals and trace elements.
Hence I would advise you the following:
-Keep the area clean and dry.
-Avoid hot and humid temperature.
-Try to be in an atmosphere that gives the least sweating.
-Walk around in between the work period as continuous sitting will accumulate sweat and its contents.
Having stretch marks indicates that the integrity of the skin is reduced hence you should take multivitamins with mineral supplements.
As for the lump that you have noticed inside the rectum, if you can glide the mucosa over it, it is less likely to be cancer or so. But needs confirmation by the following ways:
-Blood: tumor markers like CEA, C-19-9, PSA and whichever your Doctor would advise.
-Per-rectal examination by a General Surgeon, ano=proctoscopy, colonoscopy; CT scan or MRI as would be advised for known the exact cause and get the exact management as needed.
Earlier the better. Even knowing this to be a benign one is needed asap.
I hope this answer helps you.
Please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap in communication.
Regards,
Dr. T Chandrakant, General Surgeon
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I should mention that the itching is at night-time only. Additionally, I had a full physical about 6 months ago (no digital rectal exam though like the old days), but they did full blood work, including a "prostate cancer test"... it was negative at the time... would that have picked up colorectal cancer as well?
Brief Answer:
As detailed.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
It is common to have night time itching in many a case.
Threadworm infestation, scabies should also be ruled out.
Once the person gets out of the office clothes, tried to relax at night has the least botheration hence the itching is increased. Hence it is best to clean up the whole area with shower, use a hair dryer to dry up; this helps a lot. Also, it may be necessary to take anti-itch medications under the prescription.
Prostate cancer test does not detect colo-rectal cancers.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards,
Dr. T Chandrakant, General Surgeon
As detailed.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
It is common to have night time itching in many a case.
Threadworm infestation, scabies should also be ruled out.
Once the person gets out of the office clothes, tried to relax at night has the least botheration hence the itching is increased. Hence it is best to clean up the whole area with shower, use a hair dryer to dry up; this helps a lot. Also, it may be necessary to take anti-itch medications under the prescription.
Prostate cancer test does not detect colo-rectal cancers.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards,
Dr. T Chandrakant, General Surgeon
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
