Noticing a lump, swelling or bump near your anus can be worrying – but it’s more common than you might think, and most causes are easily treatable. At The Midlands Bowel Clinic, we understand how sensitive this area is and offer expert, discreet care to investigate and treat lumps or swelling around the back passage.
What does swelling around the anus feel like?
You might notice:
- A soft or firm lump near your anus
- Swelling that comes and goes, especially after going to the toilet
- Pain, itching or bleeding from the area
- A feeling of fullness, pressure or something “there” when you sit or wipe
- No symptoms at all – some lumps are painless and found by chance
Lumps may be external (outside the anus) or internal (just inside the anal canal), and they can vary in size and shape depending on the cause.
Common causes of anal swelling or lumps
Most swellings around the anus are harmless, but they should be checked – especially if they persist or change. Common causes include:
- Haemorrhoids (piles) – swollen blood vessels that can feel like soft, rubbery lumps; may bleed, itch or prolapse
- Skin tags – small, soft flaps of skin left behind after a haemorrhoid or fissure
- Anal fissures – tears in the skin that can swell or form a sentinel pile (a small lump)
- Anal abscesses – painful, red, swollen lumps filled with pus
- Anal fistulas – abnormal tunnels from the bowel to the skin, often associated with discharge
- Warts (HPV) – caused by the human papillomavirus and spread through skin contact
- Cysts or blocked glands – which can appear as painless or painful lumps
- Rectal prolapse – where part of the bowel lining slips out through the anus
- Anal or skin cancer – rare, but may appear as a persistent lump or ulcer
When should I be concerned?
You should see a bowel specialist if:
- A lump or swelling doesn’t go away within a week or two
- The area is painful, bleeding, or leaking pus
- You feel a lump inside the anus when wiping or sitting
- You’ve noticed a change in size, colour or texture of the skin
- You have other bowel symptoms like bleeding, itching or pain
- You have a personal or family history of bowel or anal cancer
Even if the lump isn’t painful, it’s important to rule out serious causes – and early treatment often leads to better outcomes.
How we investigate anal swelling
At The Midlands Bowel Clinic, we take a sensitive and professional approach to your care. Your consultant may:
- Examine the area carefully and gently
- Perform a digital rectal exam (gloved finger exam)
- Use a proctoscope to look inside the anal canal
- Take swabs or biopsies if needed
- Order imaging tests (MRI, ultrasound or CT) if a deeper or complex issue is suspected
- Discuss any history of trauma, infections, or skin conditions
We’ll talk through all findings clearly and give you time to ask questions.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the cause of the swelling. We may offer:
- Topical creams or suppositories – for haemorrhoids or inflammation
- Surgical removal – of skin tags, cysts, or persistent haemorrhoids
- Drainage – for abscesses or infected lumps
- Specialist wart treatment – for HPV-related growths
- Fistula surgery or seton insertion – for complex fistulae
- Cancer referral and management – if a suspicious growth is found
Our focus is on effective, discreet and compassionate care, tailored to your needs.
Why choose The Midlands Bowel Clinic?
We’re a leading centre for bowel health in the Midlands, offering fast access to expert care and advanced diagnostics. Our experienced consultants work with you to find the cause of your symptoms and deliver safe, effective treatment in a comfortable setting.
Contact us
If you’ve noticed a lump or swelling around your anus, don’t put off getting it checked. Contact The Midlands Bowel Clinic today to book a private consultation with one of our expert consultants. We’re here to help you feel comfortable and confident again.
