Anal abscess and hemorrhoids are both relatively common conditions related to the anus. Despite their similarity in location, these two ailments have little in common. Still, you might wonder whether your symptoms point to a hemorrhoid or abscess. In this article, we will discuss the difference between perianal abscess and anal hemorrhoids.
Perianal Abscess vs Hemorrhoid
When people find a raised area near the anus, it’s hard to fully know whether it is an anal abscess or hemorrhoid at first glance. The easiest way to tell the difference is if it is presenting symptoms and whether the mass appears to contain fluid, which would point more to an abscess than a hemorrhoid. Another difference between the two is how they are treated, most of the time an anal abscess will need to be drained, while a hemorrhoid usually goes away on its own.
What is a perianal abscess?
Perianal abscesses are the most common type of anorectal abscesses. The term anorectal refers to issues that arise near the anus or rectum. Also just called anal abscesses, these are swollen, painful collections of pus that gather beneath the skin around the anus. These abscesses can lead to notable discomfort and cause extensive infection if left untreated. If pus causes the anal gland to bursts, the infection can extend to spaces around the rectum and anus.
What causes perianal abscess?
Anal abscesses are caused by a small infection that begins in a very small anal gland, which expands, creating room for the pus to pool under the skin. Most anal abscesses are located near the opening of the anus but sometimes occur further into the anal canal.
Anal abscess symptoms include:
A hard mass or swelling around the anal area that can be large and tender
Sometimes fever, chills and fatigue
Pain near the anus
Painful bowel movements
How are anal abscesses treated?
More often than not, an anal abscess will need to be drained of the infectious pus. This ensures that the infection does not spread.
What is a hemorrhoid?
A hemorrhoid is a swollen vein located beneath the skin near the anus. Usually, they do not present noticeable symptoms nor cause any pain or discomfort. Many times, hemorrhoids go away on their own. Sometimes, a hemorrhoid can bleed and you may see bright red blood on the toilet paper after you wipe. Infrequently, a blood clot can form and cause a thrombosed hemorrhoid, which can cause pain.
What causes hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are often caused by straining during a bowel movement caused by intermittent or chronic constipation.
How are hemorrhoids treated?
As mentioned, most hemorrhoids will not need treatment, unless they become thrombosed. Thrombosed hemorrhoids are treated by a thrombectomy. This is a common procedure where surgeons make a cut in the hemorrhoid and drain the blood.
As you can see, although they show up in similar areas on the body, these two conditions are very different. Whether you are suffering from an anal abscess, hemorrhoid, or are unsure, contact the colorectal specialists at Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay for treatment.