NexEndo Healthcare

Anal or perineal lumps/palpable masses can result from a range of conditions, including perianal warts, polyps, sentinel tags from fissures, or cancer. Haemorrhoids are usually not palpable unless thrombosed or prolapsed. When a haemorrhoid settles, it can leave a skin tag or fibroepithelial polyp, which may be felt as a lump/palpable mass during examination.

Clinicians actively assess these lesions through history, inspection, palpation, proctoscopy, and sometimes biopsy, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy. Sudden pain with a palpable mass typically indicates a thrombosed external haemorrhoid or perianal haematoma. Otherwise, piles or haemorrhoids are rarely painful.