Is pain around the anus a precursor to rectal cancer?

Pain around the anus is not necessarily a precursor to rectal cancer, but it needs to be taken seriously and checked by a doctor as soon as possible. Common causes include benign diseases such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and perianal abscesses, but if accompanied by symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, and weight loss, it may be related to tumors.

1. Common causes of anal pain

Pain around the anus is usually caused by a variety of benign diseases. For example, hemorrhoids can cause congestion and edema due to varicose veins, causing local distension and pain; anal fissures can cause severe pain during defecation due to the distinct fissures in the anal canal; perianal abscesses and anal fistulas may cause redness, swelling, tenderness, and a feeling of heaviness due to infection. Anal sphincter spasms can also cause short-term severe pain. All of these situations require a clear diagnosis at a regular medical institution based on the specific symptoms.

2. Characteristics of pain caused by rectal cancer

Anal pain caused by rectal cancer usually occurs when the disease progresses to the late stage, due to the tumor compressing the sphincter or invading surrounding tissues. In the early stage of rectal cancer, it is more likely to present with painless blood in the stool, anemia, changes in bowel habits such as alternating diarrhea and constipation, a feeling of incomplete defecation, and rapid weight loss. If these symptoms occur, you should be alert and undergo a colonoscopy or other imaging evaluation as soon as possible.

3. Targeted solutions

1. For hemorrhoids and anal fissures, you can try warm water sitz baths, adjust your diet to increase dietary fiber intake such as oats and whole grains, improve bowel movement, and apply topical medications such as hemorrhoid cream. Severe cases require surgical treatment, such as hemorrhoidectomy or anal fissure repair.

2Perianal abscess requires incision and drainage or antibiotic treatment under the guidance of a doctor.

3 If you suspect rectal cancer, you need to go to the hospital as soon as possible to confirm the diagnosis through colonoscopy, biopsy and other measures. Surgical resection combined with chemotherapy and radiotherapy is the main treatment for rectal cancer. The specific plan needs to be determined based on the pathological results.

Pain may be caused by many factors, benign or malignant diseases are possible, so do not ignore unexplained anal pain. Seeking medical attention early can avoid delaying treatment. In life, you should also pay attention to maintaining intestinal health, regular physical examinations, early prevention and early detection.