Lump in Anus: Ruling Out Causes and Why It Can Hurt (2024)

A lump in or outside of the anus is often a sign of hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids sometimes cause pain and can be itchy. Many times with anal lumps, there is no symptom except for the lump.

This article will discuss hemorrhoids and the other causes of lumps near the anus. It will also cover treatment options and when to contact a healthcare provider.

Causes of Hard or Soft Lumps Near the Anus

Hemorrhoids are a common cause of lumps around the anus. They are swollen veins that can form either on the outside or around the anus. They can also be found inside the lining of the anus and lower rectum.

Non-Hemorrhoidal Causes

Hemorrhoids aren't the only cause of lumps in and around the anus. Following is a list of non-hemorrhoidal causes:

• Anorectal abscess: A pocket of pus in or around the anus that's caused by blocked anal glands, infection, intestinal conditions, trauma, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Anal warts: Growths caused by the STI human papillomavirus (HPV) that appear as small pinhead-sized, skin-colored growths with cauliflower-like tops
• Anal skin tag: An extra piece of skin near the opening of the anus that's similar to the color of the surrounding skin and is painless and soft
• Anal cancer: About 9 out of 10 anal cancers are squamous cell carcinoma, whose symptoms often overlap with other anal lumps and can include bleeding, pain, and a lump in or around the anus
  

How a Lump in or Around the Anus Looks

Lumps in and around the anus can vary in appearance. The symptoms of hemorrhoids include:

• Hard, tender lumps in or near the anus
• Anal itching
• Anal pain (particularly when sitting)
• Bleeding from the anus

It can be helpful to use a mirror to look at the lumps to see the appearance and find any changes or bleeding.

How to Treat an Anal Lump at Home

A lump near the anus will be treated based on its cause. Lumps that are caused by hemorrhoids can be treated at home by:

• High-fiber diet
• Stool softener or fiber supplements
• Sitz bath (soaking the bottom in a shallow tub of warm water)
• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Avoid sitting on the toilet for too long
• Over-the-counter (OTC) hemorrhoid medications

A healthcare provider should guide treatments for other types of lumps near the anus.

When to See a Provider

Many conditions can cause a lump near the anus. Below are reasons to see a healthcare provider:

• If the lump is new
• Bleeding
• Does not improve within one week
• Abdominal pain
• Fever

A provider will evaluate the lump, request any necessary testing, and determine the best treatment plan.

Prescribed and Surgical Anal Lump Treatment

When the lump does not improve with at-home treatment or is too severe, then a healthcare provider may suggest a procedure to remove it.

In-office hemorrhoid treatments include:

• Rubber band ligation: A band is placed around the hemorrhoid. This cuts off the blood supply and the hemorrhoid shrinks and falls off, typically within one week.
• Infrared photocoagulation: An infrared light is used to stop blood flow to the hemorrhoid.
• Sclerotherapy: The provider injects medication into the hemorrhoid, which causes scar tissue to form, stopping blood flow to the hemorrhoid.
• Electrocoagulation: An electrical current is used to cause scar tissue to form within the hemorrhoid to shrink it.

Sometimes surgical procedures are necessary for hemorrhoids. A hemorrhoidectomy is when a surgeon surgically removes the hemorrhoids.

Complications When a Lump in the Anus Does Not Go Away

The complications of a lump in the anus will vary based on its cause.

A hemorrhoid will be painful and can bleed. It can interfere with daily activities, making it hard to sit and move around.

Anal warts are one of the known causes of anal cancer.

Anorectal abscess can cause an anal fistula or a body-wide infection called sepsis.

Intimacy and Communication With an Anal Lump

An anal lump can make someone feel uncomfortable during intimacy. It's important to have conversations early on in relationships to let partners know about the lump and its cause to relieve any concerns.

Lumps caused by warts are from HPV and are contagious. Anal warts can be prevented with the HPV vaccine. For warts already present, abstinence is the best way to prevent the spread. Condoms do not always cover all the areas where HPV can live.

Summary

Hemorrhoids often cause lumps near or around the anus. These lumps are swollen blood vessels that can be painful and itchy. Many times there are no other symptoms except for the lump. Other causes of lumps near the anus are anal warts, abscesses, skin tags, and cancer. Contact a healthcare provider if you are unsure of the cause of your lump.