Perianal abscess may be cancer

A perianal abscess is not usually cancerous, but it can be a sign of an underlying problem, especially if it comes back and doesn't heal. Knowing its causes and symptoms can help you take prompt action and prevent more serious health problems.

An anal abscess is a collection of pus and infection in the skin and tissue around the anus. Common symptoms include redness, swelling, severe pain, and warmth to the touch. The location, size, and depth of the abscess vary, and most develop from an infection in a blocked anal gland. Adult males and people with diabetes are more likely to develop this symptom. An anal abscess may be a manifestation of other diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

To go into more detail, sometimes an anal abscess may develop into an anal fistula, which is an abnormal channel formed after the abscess breaks, connecting the inner wall of the rectum and the skin around the anus. In this case, the symptoms may be more complicated, including problems with persistent discharge and recurrent infection. Some cancers (especially rectal cancer) may appear as an anal abscess. Although this is rare, frequent abscesses still need attention. If the abscess is relatively fixed in location and is accompanied by systemic symptoms such as weight loss and fever, you need to be more cautious.

For perianal abscesses, keeping the area around the anus clean is an important step in preventing and speeding up healing. Hot water sitz baths can effectively relieve pain and help improve local blood circulation. A diet rich in fiber can help maintain good bowel habits and reduce the possibility of infection. You can also use a non-irritating disinfectant to gently clean the abscess area to reduce the risk of infection. If you find that the perianal abscess is accompanied by other abnormal symptoms or there is no improvement after treatment, it is recommended to seek the guidance of a professional doctor as soon as possible for more detailed examination and treatment.