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What are colon and rectal cancers? The colon and rectum (colorectal) cancer are cancers that occur in the lowest part of the digestive system. The colon is another name for the large intestine. It connects the small intestine to the rectum and anus. Colon cancer is...
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What is an anal fissure? An anal fissure is a tear in the skin that covers the anus. The tear may extend into the internal anal sphincter (IAS), which is a circular ring of muscle that surrounds the anus. Anal fissures are called acute if you’ve had them for...
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What is constipation? Constipation is a change in bowel habits. It varies from person to person and there are many definitions of constipation. However, most doctors’ societies agree that constipation involves two key aspects. 1) Decreased stool frequency:...
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What are hemorrhoids? Hemorrhoids (HEM-uh-roids), also called piles, are swollen veins inside and around the anus and lower rectum. Everybody has these veins. They normally serve to form a vascular cushion that allows us to be continent. The problem occurs when they...
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What is a pilonidal cyst? A pilonidal (pronounced “py-luh-NY-dul”) cyst is a sac or pocket in the skin that is usually filled with fluid, hair, skin debris and other tissues. It almost always occurs near the tailbone (bottom of spine), above the cleft of...
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What is pruritus ani (proo-ri-tus a-ni)? Pruritus ani is a Latin phrase that means “itchy anus”. Pruritus ani is the medical term for a persistent (chronic) itching of the anus or the skin around it. What are the symptoms pruritus ani? The main symptom of...
