A lump in the rectum, i.e. when should we consult a proctologist?

What does proctology deal with?

Proctology is a medical branch within general medical surgery dealing with the examination, diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to the rectum.

Diseases of the rectum include external and internal hemorrhoids - which affect almost half of the adult population over the age of 50, but also malignant changes, such as rectal cancer, which is one of the most common types of cancer ending in death. Proctology also deals with other inflammatory processes of the lower intestinal tract, i.e. the rectum: benign changes or complaints caused by rectal fissures.

What are the most common diseases?

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are blood vessels in the rectum that form under the skin around the anus or on the inner wall of the rectum. In most cases, internal hemorrhoids can be noticed by bleeding during bowel movements. Another type of hemorrhoid is external hemorrhoids. This problem is mostly characterized by pain, itching, and occasionally bleeding during defecation. Hemorrhoids can be caused by a number of things, starting from straining during bowel movements, through lifestyle factors (improper nutrition, low-fiber diet, low fluid intake, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity) to structural factors such as connective tissue weakness or changes associated with pregnancy.

Rectal fissure

A rectal fissure means a rupture of the rectal mucosa. The accompanying pain is sometimes milder, with a stinging sensation, but at other times it can be very intense, gnawing, or even painful and spasmodic. Bleeding can be an additional symptom.

It can develop for several reasons, such as prostatitis, diarrhea, hard stools, or as a result of childbirth. In the early stages, the crack may disappear without a trace with medicinal (conical) treatment. 

Rectal fistula (fistula)

A fistula means an abnormal connection or passage from the rectum to the skin. A rectal fistula can be the result of some previous inflammation or abscess, but it can also be caused by Crohn's disease.

The most frequently occurring symptoms include temporary, straining pains, as well as occasional (with smaller or larger interruptions) purulent, bloody discharge, fever. 

Rectal polyp

A rectal polyp can be benign or malignant. Medicine distinguishes several types of polyps based on size and shape. The smaller sizes usually ensure a problem-free everyday life, the larger sizes may be accompanied by bloody, slimy stools, or diarrhea and abdominal pain. In rare cases, they can cause not only constipation, but even serious intestinal obstruction. Certain types of polyps penetrate the intestinal wall a few years after their formation and can develop into a malignant tumor. With the help of histology, polyp types can be easily identified. 

In case of which complaints should we visit the treating doctor?

Consult a specialist if you have any of the following chronic complaints:

• diarrhea
• discharge with blood and mucus
• itching around the anus
• wart-like lesions around the anus
• rectal pain
• bloody stools
• foreign body sensation, lump in the rectum

What can we do against proctological diseases?

It is difficult to formulate clear reasons for the development of diseases affecting the rectum, but as with most diseases, there are certain predisposing factors. These are the following:

• sedentary lifestyle
• overweight
• pregnancy
• in old age
• constipation and diarrhea
• stress
• poor nutrition

Overall, it can be stated that a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition can do a lot to prevent the disease.

Treatment of proctological problems requires patience and experience. Live without unpleasant complaints, feel free to contact KOC's outstanding proctologist on the subject!