Lump

[Drew]

A couple of weeks ago it suddenly became extremely painful to sit, or even lie down.  There was a very tender area just above my anus, kind of between the anus and tailbone, and slightly to the right side.  Right now it's not quite as painful to sit, but there is a lump there.  It is sensitive to the touch, producing a burning sensation if I touch it or sit down wrong.

There is no blood in my stool and bowel movements do not produce any pain.  Just this lump (about an inch in diameter, longer than it is wide) which is sensitive to pressure.

What is this?  An infection?  A cyst?  Will it go away?  Do I need to get any tests done?

Thank you!

[Moppet]

My best guess is it's an infected cyst. I get those once in great while. If it hurts it's infected.  Not a fun place to have a boil type cyst. What to do with it depends on you. Wait to see if it goes away or see your doctor.

[Drew]

Ok, thanks.  If it doesn't go away soon, or if it changes size, I'll make an appt.

[Drew]

A hemorrhoid?  I thought a hemorrhoid was a small (pea sized?) lump right protruding from the soft tissue of the anus.

What I've got is larger (grape sized?) and doesn't protrude at all (it seems to be under the regular skin between the anus and tailbone).

I guess it could be a hemorrhoid.  Maybe I broke a blood vessle back there?

[JLew]

It could also be an anal abscess or a pilonidal cyst. You should probably see a doctor - maybe even a rectal surgeon for a diagnosis.

[MomInMI]

I'm not a doctor, Drew, but it sounds like a Hemmeroid. You can get them externally. This is kind of graphic, but have you had, umm, difficulty in "going" lately? Out of the ordinary? Usually they're ruptured blood vessels caused by too much exertion (at least the way I understand them). You can get them from not having enough fiber and water in your diet, therefore causing harder stools. Or you can (well, not you if you're a male Drew, but women can) get them from pushing in childbirth.
Run by the store and get either some Preperation H (it's used internally, but it works from the inside out), or Tucks pads. If it doesn't get better in a week or so, you might want to go to the doctor. In the meantime, sit on soft seats.
Hopefully that answered your questions. Don't shoot me if I'm totally way off base.
Take care and feel better!
Angela