This is one of the most frequent questions today. Many people who suffer from different problems in the anal and perianal area such as hemorrhoids, fistulas and fissures, have doubts about which specialist to consult for appropriate treatment.
At THIS we would like to explain the meaning of the term proctology, when you should see a proctology specialist and how to choose the best specialist to treat your problem.
What is proctology?
Proctology is a branch of medicine that diagnoses and treats, surgically or not, all diseases and pathologies that affect the rectum and the anus, such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, anal fistulae and pilonidal sinus, abscesses, condylomas, hemorrhoidal thrombosis, anal itching, rectal prolapse, diverticultis, etc. A Proctologist is thus a medical professional who diagnoses and treats, medically or surgically, all the anal and perianal diseases.
Where can I see a proctologist in Tenerife?
At THIS, we offer the services of our partner Instituto Proctológico Dr. Padrón, whose medical experts treat a full range of proctological diseases, such as hemorrhoids, fistulae, anal fissures, etc.
When should you see a proctologist?
Many of the most frequently occurring symptoms of the proctological pathologies include bleeding, anal pain, appearance of lumps, etc. When these symptoms appear the best option is to see a proctologist. Below we will mention other frequently occurring symptoms for when a proctologist should be consulted:
- You notice blood in your stool: one of the most frequent issues that people refer to a proctologist is when they notice blood in their feces. One of the reasons of bleeding may be hemorrhoids.
- Itching in the anal area: this may be caused by hemorrhoids, perianal fistulae or anal fissures.
- Painful defecation after a period of constipation: this is a typical symptom of an anal fissure.
- You notice a lump in the anal area.
- You feel strong pain in the anal area that wakes you up at night: Have you ever had a strong muscle cramp in your legs? Similar spasms may happen in the anal area too. It can be very painful, but it most probably is not very serious. A visit to a proctologist will help you restore your comfort.
- You have an irritation and small lumps in the perianal area: if you observe some warts that extend in the shape of a cluster or a cauliflower then you may have condyloma acuminatum. In this case you should see a proctologist as soon as possible so that you can get the treatment and avoid extending the disease onto other areas or transmitting it to your part
- After having diarrhea you notice small lumps on the edge of the anus: if such a lump appears suddenly it may be a case of hemorroidal thrombosis. If it does not cause you much discomfort or it is relatively small, then it may disappear within several weeks as suddenly as it appeared. However, should it cause pain or any other discomfort a proctologist should be consulted.
