Suggest Treatment For Pressure Sensation In Anus

Posted on Wed, 22 Jul 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 22 Jul 2015 Answered on

Wed, 12 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi - ive recently had loose stools (mud like) which have firmed up after taking fibre gel. Ive had a lot of gas and as i had long term blood on toilet paper i visited my gp (he diagnosed anal fissure). He performed a rectal exam (all clear) and he also examined my abdomen (all clear). Yesterday i started to notice a pressure or sensation in my anus - although i wouldnt describe it as an urge to pass stools. I wondered if this could be rectal cancer even though i have no blood and my stools have firmed up. I am pretty worried as i read a feeling in the anus can be a symtpom of rectal cancer.

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Sigmoidoscopy

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I a Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.
Since you have history of anal fissure, the pressure you felt could be due to spasm of the anal sphincter.
Rectal cancer is less likely. Some of the symptoms of rectal cancer are bleeding per rectum, urge to have bowel movements, ineffective bowel movements and feeling of incomplete evacuation.

Since digital rectal exam did not reveal anything rectal cancer is less likely at least in its lower part.
A sigmoidoscopy test may be done to look inside which will show whether you have rectal cancer.

I hope that answers your query.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (7 minutes later)

Thanks - if it were tenesmus due to rectal cancer i assume that would mean the tumour would be low down and therefore able to detect by digital exam? Also can you please tell me about tenesmus in rectal cancer - ie typical presentation

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Answer given below

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Tenesmus is a symptom of lesions in the rectum.
In tenesmus, you get the feeling to evacuate the bowel due to lesions in the rectum, but nothing comes out effectively.

Rectum extends from 4 to 15 cm ( approx) from the anal verge.
So only the lower part of the rectum can be felt by digital rectal exam.

Let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar