Perianal thrombosis: an acute lump at the anus
Perianal thrombosis is a blood clot in a small vein at the anus. It typically appears suddenly as a tender, bluish lump. The condition is uncomfortable but harmless, and most people gradually improve.
Written by Bahir Hadi, specialist in surgery, PhD
Awaiting medical review.
A sudden, painful lump at the anus
A perianal thrombosis is a blood clot in a small vein in the skin just at the anal opening. It often appears suddenly and feels like a firm, bluish lump that is very tender. Many people mistake it for haemorrhoids, but it sits on the outside and usually hurts most during the first days. A thrombosed haemorrhoid is similarly very painful, while uncomplicated haemorrhoids rarely cause real pain. 1
Typical symptoms
- A lump at the anus that you can feel yourself.
- Pain that is strongest at the start and then eases.
- A bluish or dark colour through the skin.
- Sometimes slight bleeding if the skin over the lump breaks.
Natural course
The condition is unpleasant but benign. The pain usually eases over some days and the lump gradually shrinks. Some people are left with a small skin tag, which is harmless. Read more about skin tags.
Examination
The doctor looks at the area and performs an ordinary examination to distinguish a thrombosis from an abscess, a fissure, haemorrhoids and other conditions. With bleeding, a changed bowel pattern or other suspicion, endoscopy of the lower bowel may be relevant. 1
Treatment
For most people treatment means pain relief, stool regulation and local cooling or warmth, whichever brings comfort. In selected patients with severe pain early in the course, a small procedure to empty the clot can be considered. That is an individual assessment rather than a fixed time limit, and the benefit falls once the pain is already improving. 1
Contact the clinic to clarify whether your referral belongs here.
When an abscess fits better
Fever, pus, rapidly increasing swelling and redness or feeling generally unwell point to an abscess rather than a clot. That needs assessment the same day. Call 1813 in the Capital Region or the out-of-hours doctor, and call 112 if you are severely affected. Read about perianal abscess.
What you can do yourself
- Keep stools soft so you avoid straining. See constipation.
- Ordinary painkillers taken as directed on the package can help.
- Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry instead of rubbing.
- Avoid long toilet visits with hard straining.
Sources
Contact and appointments
Online booking is not available. Please call the clinic or ask your GP for a referral, so we can find the right appointment.
If you are in health insurance group 1 and have a valid referral from your GP, the examinations and treatments covered by the clinic's public health agreement are covered by the Danish public health insurance, so you pay nothing for them yourself. If you are in health insurance group 2, there is usually a small co-payment under the health insurance rules. If you are paying yourself, contact the clinic for a price.
Call the clinic
+45 39 64 01 25
Phone hours
Phone hours: Mon–Thu 09:00–12:00
Address
Hans Edvard Teglers Vej 9, 1st floor · 2920 Charlottenlund
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Contact information
- Hans Edvard Teglers Vej 9, 1st floor · 2920 Charlottenlund
- +45 39 64 01 25
- mail@kirurgen.dk
- Phone hours: Mon–Thu 09:00–12:00
For referring physicians
Provider number: 215430