Have you felt a lump in your anus? Seeking prompt medical attention is recommended since, besides difficulty passing stool, you could experience more overwhelming symptoms or be at an increased health risk of severe concerns. Proctology Astoria specializes in diagnosing and treating concerns affecting your colon, rectum, and anus. You may see a proctologist following your primary care doctor’s recommendation. You could also opt to see the specialist considering factors such as:
Advancing age
Problems including hemorrhoids and colon cancer risks increase with age. This can be attributed to concerns like the accumulated pressure from straining when passing stool. The issues are prevalent at and above 45 years. Even without apparent concerns like symptoms, it is recommended that you see a proctologist when you hit 50 years. The specialist may recommend a colonoscopy. They could also recommend getting the colonoscopy at set intervals based on your risk factors. If you are healthy and have no family history, a colonoscopy at least once every ten years at or above 50 years is advised.
Risk factors
Are you obese, a smoker, take excessive alcohol, and lead a sedentary lifestyle? Such aspects increase your risk of rectal and colon cancer and other health problems. You should see a proctologist if your lifestyle includes at least one of the risk factors, especially if you experience or suspect you may have an issue. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help avoid serious problems. The specialist can also help you adopt a better lifestyle, including revising your diet to improve your anus, rectum, and colon health.
Symptoms
Symptoms like feeling a lump in or around your anus should prompt you to see a proctologist. Other symptoms you should ignore include pain, itchiness, anal discharge, leakage or rectal bleeding, abscess on the buttocks, bowel feature changes like consistency and color, and bowel habit changes. Such symptoms may indicate a developing issue like anal fissures or hemorrhoids, which demands proper diagnosis and intervention. A proctologist can catch the problem before it develops into a severe condition demanding invasive treatments like surgery.
Family history
You should see a proctologist if you are genetically predisposed to digestive tract issues. You are at higher risk of anal, rectum, and colon health problems if your immediate family, like a parent or sibling, has been diagnosed with issues like hemorrhoids. The issues tend to be hereditary, considering the cartilage and muscle integrity. If a family member has had hemorrhoids, you may also have inherited muscles and cartilage that are susceptible and could be compromised over time. Your medical history, including conditions like Crohn’s disease, also counts. Routine screening can help establish any development and take the right interventions to avoid escalation.
The anus, colon, and rectum are integral parts of the digestive system. When unhealthy, you can experience more unpleasant symptoms. For instance, untreated hemorrhoids can be strangulated, leading to severe concerns like sepsis, gangrene, blood clots, and infections which can be fatal. Contact Surgical Specialists of Greater NY for more on why you should visit a proctologist.
