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    Am Fam Physician. 2001 Jun 15;63(12):2391-8.

    Common anorectal conditions: Part I. Symptoms and complaints.

    Source

    The National Procedures Institute, Midland, Michigan 48640, USA. jack@NPInstitute.com

    Abstract

    Anorectal symptoms and complaints are common and may be caused by a wide spectrum of conditions. Although most conditions are benign and may be successfully treated by primary care practitioners, a high index of suspicion for colorectal cancer should be maintained, and all patients should be appropriately investigated. Inspection, palpation and anoscopic examination using an Ive's slotted anoscope provide adequate initial assessment. Pruritus ani usually represents a self-perpetuating itch-scratch cycle and is uncommonly due to infection. The history, as well as the physical examination, can distinguish anal pain due to hemorrhoids, fissure, abscess, cancer or proctalgia fugax. The most frequent causes of rectal bleeding are hemorrhoids, fissures and polyps. Diagnoses associated with difficulty in passing stool can range from constipation to fecal incontinence.

    PMID:
    11430454
    [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
    Free full text

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