What is anal pain?
It is pain located in the anus, usually associated with benign anal pathology, the most frequent causes being hemorrhoids, anal fissure or anal fistulas. However, sometimes this condition is presented as the only and fundamental reason, without the patient having observed any other anomaly.
What about anal bleeding?
Rectal bleeding is the emission of red blood from the anus in isolation or together with stool. When it occurs in isolation, it can appear either on the toilet paper or directly in the toilet. The blood accompanying the stool may be on the surface of the stool or mixed with it.
On the other hand, anal bleeding is not a pathology in itself, but a symptom, very often secondary to hemorrhoids and anal fissure. In a significant percentage of cases, no apparent cause was found. Less frequently it is associated with inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulosis, colon or rectal polyps and, finally, colorectal cancer.
Is anal bleeding always accompanied by pain?
No. Although it is common for these two symptoms to appear together, they can also occur in isolation.
What pathologies or problems can cause anal bleeding?
As we have already mentioned, the most frequent causes are hemorrhoids and fissure. A significant percentage occur without apparent cause. Other, less probable causes are: inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulosis, polyps and colorectal cancer.
The different causes of rectorrhagia are conditioned by age. In patients over 40 years of age, studies reveal that, although the order of the most common causes remains the same, the number of polyps, colon and rectal cancer, diverticula, angiodysplasia or ischemic colitis is increasing.
Should I see a doctor immediately if I have anal bleeding? When is it a cause for concern?
Anal bleeding, if it does not cause dizziness, pallor or tachycardia, is not a reason for urgent consultation, but it does constitute a reason for consultation with your primary care physician or your specialist.
How do you proceed in consultation when a person has anal bleeding?
First of all we will proceed to take a medical history, in which we will ask about the reason for the consultation, personal and family illnesses, previous surgical interventions and medication that you take. Secondly, we will investigate a little more about the problem. Thirdly, we will proceed to the physical examination, by means of inspection and rectal examination. Finally, if necessary, we will perform some complementary tests at the bedside, such as anuscopy or endoanal ultrasound.
For more information on anal bleeding, consult an expert in Coloproctology.