What causes a fleshy lump in the anus, and what should be done?
Sep 11, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Jingxiang
Introduction
In general, the presence of a fleshy mass in the anus may be caused by prolonged sitting or standing leading to local venous return obstruction, excessive straining during constipation causing venous dilation, hemorrhoids, rectal polyps, rectal prolapse, and other related conditions. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general treatment, medication, surgery, or other approaches under the guidance of a physician.
Generally, the presence of a fleshy lump around the anus may be caused by prolonged sitting or standing, which leads to poor venous return in the local area; excessive straining during bowel movements due to constipation causing venous dilation; hemorrhoids; rectal polyps; rectal prolapse; and other conditions. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to identify the exact cause and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general treatments, medications, or surgical interventions. A detailed explanation is as follows:
1. Prolonged Sitting or Standing: Long-term sitting or standing can obstruct blood flow in the perianal venous plexus, causing the veins to dilate and form soft lumps. This is commonly seen in office workers and drivers. It is recommended to get up and move for 5–10 minutes every hour and engage in moderate physical activities like walking or jogging to improve perianal circulation and reduce venous pressure.
2. Excessive Straining During Bowel Movements: Straining too hard during defecation increases local pressure around the anus, causing congestion and dilation of the venous plexus, which may form a lump. There may also be a feeling of heaviness after bowel movements. Adjust your diet to include more fiber-rich vegetables and fruits, drink 1500–2000 mL of water daily, keep stools soft, and avoid excessive straining during bowel movements.
3. Hemorrhoids: Varicose veins in the perianal venous plexus can form venous masses. External hemorrhoids manifest as lumps on the edge of the anus, while prolapsed internal hemorrhoids can also appear as lumps, possibly accompanied by bleeding or pain. Follow medical advice to use topical medications such as Ma Yinglong Musk Hemorrhoid Ointment, Gangtai Ointment, or Compound Fucoidan Suppositories to relieve symptoms.
4. Rectal Polyps: These are benign growths protruding from the rectal mucosa and may prolapse through the anus during defecation, appearing as lumps. They usually do not cause significant pain but may occasionally lead to rectal bleeding. Small polyps can be monitored regularly, but larger polyps or those with malignant potential require endoscopic polypectomy performed by a physician, in which the polyp is completely removed via endoscopy to prevent disease progression.
5. Rectal Prolapse: A portion or the entire rectal wall moves downward and protrudes through the anus, forming a lump. In early stages, it may retract on its own, but later manual repositioning may be needed, accompanied by a feeling of incomplete evacuation. Mild prolapse can be improved by performing anal sphincter-strengthening exercises daily, while severe cases may require rectal suspension surgery to fix the rectum to surrounding tissues and correct the prolapse.
Maintain good perianal hygiene by washing daily with warm water and avoid aggressive wiping. Reduce consumption of spicy and greasy foods, maintain a regular lifestyle, and promote overall anal health through comprehensive care to reduce the risk of recurrence or worsening of symptoms.
