Buttock pain, which can indicate anal cancer, may also be indicative of alternative medical conditions. It may be caused by many different things, from infection and disease to overuse of physical exertion. Early detection is key to improving treatment success rates.
Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and an uncomfortable fullness sensation. Other possible indicators may include changes to bowel movements (diarrhea or constipation) as well as decreased stool size.
What is Buttock Pain?
Causes
Pain in the buttock area may be caused by various conditions; in most instances however, buttock pain does not indicate cancer; instead it often refers to another part of the body such as lower back, hips or spine.
SI joint disorder, also known as buttock pain syndrome, is one of the primary sources of buttock discomfort. This may be caused by arthritis or injury to either the joint itself or to its surrounding muscles and tendons that connect it.
Hip bursitis – commonly referred to as greater trochanteric pain syndrome – may also play a part in buttock discomfort, with inflammation of its bursae attached to greater trochanter bones causing discomfort in this region of your buttocks.
Spinal issues like spinal stenosis may contribute to buttock pain by compressing nerves in the lower back and hip region. Diagnosing these conditions typically involves physical examination as well as imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scan. If nonsurgical remedies don’t alleviate buttock discomfort, injections or surgery may be considered.
Symptoms
If you are experiencing buttock pain, it could be an early indicator of cancer. Your buttock area contains numerous nerves that could become compressed when cancerous tissues grow within it causing discomfort and pain. While the discomfort should ease with time, if concerned consult with a healthcare provider immediately to schedule an appointment and receive advice and assessment from them.
Rectal bleeding should always be considered an indicator that something may be amiss with your bowel movements and/or should prompt medical advice for. Common symptoms of rectal bleeding and sudden changes include bloating, feeling that stool doesn’t completely empty out and constipation; additionally itchy anus may require medical assistance as well.
Red flags to look out for include swollen lymph nodes in the groin, an uncomfortable sensation of full bladder capacity and an urge to use the toilet even after having just urinated. While these symptoms may be mistaken for haemorrhoids, they should still be taken seriously – altering diet or taking supplements may help alleviate some of these symptoms; quitting smoking will further increase your risk for anal cancer.
Diagnosis
Pain in the buttocks may be indicative of several conditions; in order to provide appropriate treatments, it’s vitally important that it’s determined whether cancerous tumors are at play here.
Anus pain and bleeding is often an indicator of cancer due to being surrounded by nerves which are susceptible to inflammation, while cancer cells can damage them further and lead to itchy patches in the anus area.
Doctors typically conduct a pelvic exam to pinpoint the source of discomfort. They may insert a tube with a camera into the colon (proctosigmoidoscopy) or use barium enema to inspect for growths; should any be found a biopsy will be taken immediately and imaging tests like MRI, CT or PET may provide insight into its exact location and size as well as determine if cancer has spread further.
Treatment
Buttock pain is a relatively common occurrence and should not necessarily indicate cancer, though if your discomfort continues for longer than usual or does not go away on its own, seek medical advice immediately as it could be a potential telltale sign of disease. If accompanied by other symptoms it could even indicate cancer!
Rectal cancer can cause pain in the anal area and may also include bleeding or changes to normal bowel movements. While temporary changes might be due to diet modifications or viral/bacterial infections, ongoing changes should be addressed immediately by visiting your physician.
Your doctor will conduct a digital rectal exam and lubricate fingers to check for abnormalities. A biopsy may be taken with either needles or scopes inserted into the rectum to look for tumors; additionally, barium enema, endoscopy and sigmoidoscopy tests will also be conducted; their results will determine which treatments you require.
Is Buttock Pain a Cancer Symptom?
Buttock pain can be a symptom of anal cancer, but it could also be a sign of another condition. Anal cancer symptoms include itching in the rectum or the surrounding area, a lump or mass at the anal opening, pain or a sense of fullness in the buttocks, and anal bleeding.
Other symptoms of anal cancer include small lumps around and inside the bottom, a discharge of mucus from the bottom, having problems controlling when you poo (bowel incontinence), and needing to poo often with looser, runnier poos. However, these symptoms can also be symptoms of other medical conditions.
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult your doctor. When you visit your doctor, you will be asked about your family history and your symptoms. The GP will ask you some questions about your health and your symptoms. They may feel your butt. Your doctor may recommend further tests, such as a colonoscopy or biopsy, to determine the cause of your symptoms.
It’s important to note that buttock pain is not always a sign of cancer. There are many conditions that can cause buttock area pain, including sciatica, herniated discs, and muscle strains.
