anorectal

Your anus is the opening at the end of your large intestine. It is where stool (poop) leaves your body.

Problems with the anus are common. They include:

• Hemorrhoids
• Abscesses
• Fissures, small cracks or tears in the lining of your anus
• Anorectal fistula, an abnormal tunnel from your anus or rectum to the skin surface
• Anal itching (pruritus ani)
• Cancer

Your symptoms will depend on which disorder you have. But some of the more common symptoms may include:

• Bleeding
• Discharge
• Itching
• Pain
• Swelling

To make a diagnosis, your health care provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history. Depending upon your symptoms, your provider may:

• Check the skin around your anus for anything that looks abnormal.
• Perform a digital rectal exam (DRE). For this exam, your provider inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the lower part of your rectum to feel for lumps or anything unusual.
• Order tests, such as an anoscopy.

You may be embarrassed to talk about your anal troubles. But it's important to let your provider know about your symptoms, especially if you have pain or bleeding. The more details you can give about your problem, the better your provider can help you.

Treatments vary, depending on the condition you have.

NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

The rectum is the lower part of your large intestine where your body stores stool. Problems with the rectum are common. They include hemorrhoids, abscesses, incontinence and cancer.

Many people are embarrassed to talk about rectal troubles. But seeing your doctor about problems in this area is important. This is especially true if you have pain or bleeding. Treatments vary depending on the particular problem.

NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

An abscess is a pocket of pus. You can get an abscess almost anywhere in your body. When an area of your body becomes infected, your body's immune system tries to fight the infection. White blood cells go to the infected area, collect within the damaged tissue, and cause inflammation. During this process, pus forms. Pus is a mixture of living and dead white blood cells, germs, and dead tissue.

Bacteria, viruses, parasites and swallowed objects can all lead to abscesses. Skin abscesses are easy to detect. They are red, raised and painful. Abscesses inside your body may not be obvious and can damage organs, including the brain, lungs and others. Treatments include drainage and antibiotics.