Anorectal Diseases: Disorders of the Anus & Rectum

Anorectal problems range from mild cases of hemorrhoids to serious conditions such as fecal incontinence and inflammation of the rectum. People are often embarrassed to discuss anorectal problems with their health professional. As anorectal problems can be serious, overcoming this embarrassment can be important.

The Anus and Rectum

The anus is located at the end of the digestive system, and is approximately an inch and a half in length. The portion of the digestive system terminating in the anus is called the rectum. Stool is stored in the rectum before being voided through the anus. To keep stool stored until voided from the rectum, the anus includes the anal sphincter, a ring of muscle which, when tightened, seals the anus.

Anorectal Problems

Some anorectal problems are well known, although popular thought about anorectal problems such as hemorrhoids is often clouded with myths and inaccuracies. Anorectal problems can cause worrisome symptoms, such as rectal pain and bleeding from the anus.
Anorectal problems include such disorders as:
Anal Cancer: malignant cells in the anus. Smoking and chronic fistulas in the anus are risk factors for anal cancer.
Anal Fissure: a tear in the rectum, usually due to constipation. An anal fissure can cause severe pain in the anus and rectum.
Anal Fistula: an abnormal tube connecting the rectum with the skin surrounding the anus.
Colorectal Cancer: the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in America. A colorectal cancer prognosis is favorable if detected early.
Fecal Incontinence: involuntary voiding of stool from the rectum. Fecal incontinence is caused by a number of problems affecting the anus and anal sphincter.
Hemorrhoids: swollen blood vessels in the rectum or the skin surrounding the anus. Of all anorectal problems, hemorrhoids are the most common.
Perirectal Abscess: an infected, pus-filled abscess in the rectum or surrounding tissue. Left untreated, a perirectal abscess can cause serious systemic infection.
Proctitis: inflammation of the rectum. Proctitis may occur due to Crohn's disease, radiation therapy or certain sexually transmitted diseases. Proctitis can cause bleeding and pain in the anus and rectum.
Rectal Prolapse: when the end of the rectum protrudes through the anus.

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