Anal fissures are small cuts in the skin lining the anus. Fissures commonly cause pain during or after defecation, as well as some bleeding. That’s why they’re often confused with other conditions that cause pain and bleeding, such as hemorrhoids.
An anal fissure is typically a result of trauma to the inner lining of the anus. A large, dry, hard stool is the most common cause of anal fissure. Diarrhea and other inflammatory conditions can also lead to fissures. Acute anal fissures are recent tears that are likely to resolve in a few days or weeks. Chronic anal fissures are cuts that are persistent or recurring. A small external lump called skin tag or sentinel pile often develops on chronic fissures.
The sight of blood on the tissue paper, stool, or toilet bowl often causes doubt and worry. Many conditions besides anal fissure can lead to rectal bleeding and so, the cause should always be identified. The doctor may call for further testing when risk factors for more serious conditions are present. Colon cancer and polyps, for instance, can cause persistent bleeding.
Most anal fissures heal once the cause is treated. However, symptoms like pain, irritation, and bleeding are quite common, and it is important to know how to differentiate anal fissures from colon cancer, skin tags & hemorrhoids to ensure appropriate treatment and care.
While anal fissures affect the skin around the anal opening, colon cancer affects the large intestine which is the lower part of the digestive system. Most colon cancer cases start as small, benign polyps which can turn malignant if left untreated. Common symptoms include intermittent bleeding, lower abdominal pain and discomfort, changes in bowel habits, and unexplained weight loss. The doctor may order a colonoscopy if there are reasons to suspect the presence of colon cancer. A colonoscope, a long, thin, flexible tube with a small video camera on the end, is inserted through the anus to examine the entire length of the colon and rectum. Polyps and other suspicious-looking spots may be removed or biopsied by passing a special instrument through the colonoscope.
Skin tags or sentinel piles are non-cancerous external lumps or swollen skin that develop near the anal opening as a result of anal fissures. While anal fissure can produce razor-sharp pain during bowel movement, skin tags are typically painless. They can cause discomfort, itching, or bleeding when irritated due to friction. People with sentinel piles have to pay closer attention to anal hygiene as fecal matter can collect under the skin tags. The excess skin can likewise trap moisture and cause irritation. A doctor can surgically remove skin tags.
Like fissures, hemorrhoids can cause pain and itching, or lead to the presence of bright red blood on the stool, toilet paper, or toilet bowl. While an anal fissure is a small cut, break, or open sore on the skin that surrounds the rectum, hemorrhoids are inflamed, swollen veins in the lower rectum or around the anal canal. Hemorrhoids, also called piles, may be internal or external and are most commonly caused by constipation or diarrhea. Pain caused by an anal fissure is often described as similar to passing shards of glass during defecation. Hemorrhoids may cause pain in some cases but not as sharp as that experienced by sufferers of anal fissures.
If you know how to differentiate anal fissures from colon cancer, skin tags & hemorrhoids, you are much closer to proper medical therapy and cure.
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