Anal Fissure Relation to Lymphatic System?

[cjd902]

Hello,

I am always looking up my symptoms and more often than not come across your posts.  I am very worried about my condition and although I have a follow up appointment with a colorectal surgeon in two weeks, I was hoping to get some more info beforehand.

I was in a lot of pain for several years and kept getting misdiagnosed... finally I found a doctor who said I have an anal fissure, he sent me to a colorectal surgeon who said he was right and I actually have two fissures.  I also told both Dr's that I've been having pain and numbness/swelling in my leg and groin areas, but neither were able to explain that right away, just said it is related.

Anyway the surgeon perscribed me 6 weeks of a lidocaine/nifedipine cream and put me on a high fiber and high water regemin.  It has been almost 6 weeks now and while the severe bleeding from the fissures has stopped, there is still a lot of irritation in the anus and also the legs/groin.  In doing my own research, I have determined that the weird senations in the groin and legs are definitely something wrong with the lymphatic system.  The nodes in the groin and leg on the diagrams match exactly where I am having issues.  I can also feel swelling and then sudden draining in the groin area.  The tingly/numb sort of feeling shoots down into my legs sometimes, down the same path the diagram i looked at shows the lymphatic system following.  

My question is, do you think the lymph issues are indicitave of something more severe than an anal fissure?  Or could it be related?  If it is related I will be at ease, because although the regemin he put me on hasn't worked 100%, I know its fixable through surgery.  

Looking forward to a response, thanks!

[KATT373]

I HAVE HEMAROIDS AROUND THE OUT SIDE OF THE RECRAL ARERA. IT DOES NOT SEEM TO ALLOW THE RECTAL  RING TO CLOSE. ALWAYS SEESM TO HAVE AN OPEN AREA THERE ALLOWING FECES TO ESCAPE. TRIED HEMMAROID CREAM  FOR NO RELIEF. DO I  NEED TO HAVE SURGERY?

[cjd902]

Thanks!  The Dr. did say that if the cream did not work, surgery would be the next option.  I was worried that the lymph nodes might be indicitive of something much worse like cancer.  I guess we will see what happens with the surgery.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Inguinal lymph nodes (i.e. those in the groin area) may be due to infection.   Testing the urine for this, and if suspected, imaging the abdomen and pelvic areas, can be considered.  

I am not aware of enlarged lymph nodes being associated with an anal fissure.  If the symptoms continue, then more invasive options like surgery can be considered.  Otherwise, I agree with the cream prescribed.

If the symptoms continue, you can consider obtaining a neurology consult to evaluate for any pinched nerve or peripheral neuropathy.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin Pho, M.D.
KevinMD.com

[cjd902]

Should have mentioned that I am a 26 year old male.