TeenHealthFX - Answers - Purplish Lumps On My Anus

Lumps, Bumps & Cuts / Question
Published: February 16, 2009

Dear TeenHealthFX,

i have purplish lumps on my anus. is this hematoma or do i have skin cancer? i think i may have injured myself while shaving, because after i did it i got the lumps. is that possible?

Signed: Purplish Lumps On My Anus

Dear Purplish Lumps On My Anus,

There are several possibilities of what is causing the purple lump on your anus – and it is very important for you to meet with a medical care professional so that you can get an accurate diagnosis, as well as any necessary treatments.

FX cannot provide a reliable diagnosis over the web – without more information and a physical exam it is nearly impossible. While there are many possibilities, most likely you have an external hemorrhoid, perianal hematoma, or some kind of skin abscess.

External hemorrhoids are felt as a lump near the anus that can cause pain. The lump is caused by a blot clot, which can cause the lump to be a purple-blue color.
A perianal hematoma occurs when a blood vessel adjacent to the edge of the anus ruptures and blood escapes and collects under the surface of the skin. The blood clots into a lump, usually the size of a blueberry, and much the same color. These clots can cause severe pain that is constant, lasting up to 4 days.
A perirectal abscess is a collection of pus in the deep tissues surrounding the anus. A perianal abscess is a shallower collection of pus under the skin surrounding the anus. In addition to a lump in the area, symptoms of a perirectal or perianal abscess can include fever, pain in the anal area, painful bowel movements, lower abdominal pain, fatigue, swelling in the anal area and night sweats.

You mentioned the possibility of cancer, but it is unlikely that you are dealing with anal cancer. In addition to a lump near the anus, symptoms of anal cancer also include bleeding from the anus or rectum, pain and pressure in the area around the anus and a change in bowel habits. FX assumed you would have mentioned rectal bleeding if that was a problem for you – since you didn’t it is unlikely that cancer is the cause of your lump.

FX would like to reiterate that it is extremely important for you to visit with your doctor. While FX can come up with some possibilities of what might be causing your lump, only an exam with a doctor can give you an accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.

If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-6475 for an appointment or contact your local teen health center. You can also contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers.

Signed: TeenHealthFX