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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 of conditions that cause anal pain may also cause rectal bleeding, which is usually more frightening than serious. Anal pain is only rarely an indication of a more serious condition, such as colorectal cancer.
The causes of anal pain are usually easily diagnosed. Anal pain usually can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers and hot water soaks (sitz baths).
- Kahan S, et al. Rectal pain. In: Kahan S, et al. In A Page, Signs & Symptoms. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: 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.
- Hemorrhoids. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec02/ch020/ch020f.html#sec02-ch020-ch020f-133. Accessed Dec. 16, 2008.
- Anorectal fistula. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec02/ch020/ch020d.html#sec02-ch020-ch020d-132. Accessed Dec. 16, 2008.
- Anorectal abscess. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec02/ch020/ch020c.html#sec02-ch020-ch020c-131. Accessed Dec. 16, 2008.
- New treatments for levator ani syndrome and proctaglia fugax. Library of the National Medical Society. http://www.medical-library.org/journals5a/levator_ani_syndrome.htm. Accessed Dec. 16, 2008.
- Bowel conditions. Bowel & Cancer Research. http://www.bowelcancerresearch.org/bowel_conditions/haemorrhoids.htm. Accessed Dec. 15, 2008.
- Anal pain. Bowel & Cancer Research. http://www.bowelcancerresearch.org/bowel_conditions/anal_pain.html. Accessed Dec. 15, 2008.
