Big painful bump below tailbone next to anus; what is it?

[RobbieW]

I just woke up this morning and felt a big pain, I went to the bathroom to check what it was and I discovered I had a bump about the size of a quarter. It's not red, it actually has just a speck of a dark blue/black. Is this a hemroid? I've never had them before so I don't know.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Hello - thanks for asking your question.

Benign anorectal diseases, including fissures, abscesses, fistulas, and hemorrhoids, are common. The prevalence of specific disorders is difficult to estimate since almost any anorectal discomfort is often attributed to symptomatic hemorrhoids.

It is difficult to say what it is without an examination.  You should follow this up with your personal physician who with examination (with an anoscope if necessary), can appropriately treat you.

If the bump is determined to be an abscess, it will need to be drained.  

I stress that this answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[wishingyouwell]

the doctor gave you some good advice i have had 3 rectal fistulas repaired .you realy do need a rectal scope done and i wouldn't turn down a colonoscopy if they offered it ,just to make sur there is nothing going on with the sigmoid colon or other  digestive areas that may be the cause .if you strain a lot it can cause fistulas but that normally comes  from constipation, if you are having bowel probs a lot it would be best to have the colonoscopy done.hope this was of some help .wishing you well .

[Hyena of Ice]

Sounds like it's either a pylonidal cyst or a fistula.  Odd color for a pylonidal cyst, however.