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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffAnal pain — pain in and around your anus or rectum (perianal region) — is a common complaint. Although most causes of anal pain are benign, the pain itself can be severe because of the many nerve endings in the perianal region. Many conditions that cause anal pain may also cause rectal bleeding, which is usually more frightening than serious. It's rare for anal pain to be an indication of a more serious condition, such as cancer.
The causes of anal pain usually can be easily diagnosed. Anal pain usually can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers and hot water soaks (sitz baths).
References
- Kahan S, et al. Rectal pain. In: Kahan S, et al. In a Page Signs and Symptoms. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Wolters Kluwer Health Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2009:282.
- Ellis H. Anorectal pain. In: Kinirons M, et al. French's Index of Differential Diagnosis. 14th ed. New York, N.Y.: Oxford University Press; 2005:375.
- Marcello PW. Diseases of the anorectum. In: Feldman M, et al. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-6189-2..X0001-7--TOP&isbn=978-1-4160-6189-2&about=true&uniqId=229935664-2192. Accessed Dec. 8, 2010.
- Wilkinson JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 9, 2010.
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