Finding a new growth on your body can be unsettling, and when the growths are around the anal area, we can become alarmed and embarrassed. However, not all anal growths are problematic.
Perianal skin tags are common and harmless, but they may be mistaken for more serious issues. To be sure about the nature of that bump, a visit to Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists in Parker, Colorado, is in order.
Our proctologist, Dr. Lisa A. Perryman, specializes in diagnosis and treatment of anal tags, and can provide you with the reassurance you need that your bumps do not constitute a more serious issue. In today’s blog, let’s look at some of the common myths and misconceptions surrounding anal tags to give you a better understanding of their nature.
While anal skin tags may form because of hemorrhoids, they’re not hemorrhoids themselves. An anal tag may develop after an episode of hemorrhoids heals, following anal fissures, or even from friction, inflammation, or irritation of skin around the anus.
It’s easy to mistake other problems for anal tags, including:
Perhaps the biggest difference is that anal tags are usually free of pain, but mild cases of other problems could be misleading. Typically, anal tags are the same color as surrounding skin, or perhaps a shade or two darker.
Anal tags are benign, and they won’t develop into malignancies. However, it’s possible that they’re mistaken for other conditions, so visit us if you see evidence of persistent changes, such as:
As a specialist, Dr. Perryman can often make an accurate diagnosis with a simple in-office examination.
Even though there’s no pain, anal tags may cause other issues like problems with hygiene or discomfort during bowel movements. The growths themselves may become irritated in tight-fitting clothing or during exercise or exertion. If you’re aware of your anal tags, that may be a sign they need treatment.
Don’t attempt to remove an anal tag yourself, even if you have experience with do-it-yourself skin tag removal. It’s important that a skin tag is accurately diagnosed, first of all. Home removal could lead to problems like bleeding, infections, or scars. Dr. Perryman can select and recommend the best treatment for your condition.
Not all anal tags need to be removed. Ongoing observation is often recommended for tags that produce no symptoms or cause no issues.
If your tags do impact your life, they can often be removed in-office with a simple procedure under local anesthetics. The sooner your tags are treated, the easier removal will be.
Bumps on your bum are common and not always a problem, but it pays to have a professional assessment. Contact Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists, online or by phone, today to book an exam with Dr. Perryman.
