Anus, Rectum, & Prostate

Question 1

Anal Fissure

Answer 1

Painful longitudinal tear in the superficial mucosa at the anal margin. Most occur in the posterior midline area (butt crack).

Question 2

Hemorrhoid

Answer 2

Painless, flabby papules due to a varicose vein of hemorrhoidal plexus.

Question 3

External Hemorrhoid

Answer 3

Originates below the anorectal junction and is covered by anal skin. When thrombosed, it contains clotted blood and becomes a painful, swollen, shiny blue mass that itches and bleeds with defecation. When resolved, it leaves a painless, flabby skin sac around the anal orifice.

Question 4

Internal Hemorrhoid

Answer 4

Originate above the anorectal junction and is covered by mucous membrane. When a person performs the valsalva maneuver it may appear as a red mucosal mass.

Question 5

Melena

Answer 5

Black tarry stool due to occult blood from GI bleeding.

Question 6

Puritis

Answer 6

Itchy skin

Question 7

Steatorrhea

Answer 7

Pale yellow greasy stool due to increased fat content. Occurs with malabsorption syndrome.

Question 8

Meconium

Answer 8

First stool passed after birth. Dark green color. Indicates anal latency.

Question 9

Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy

Answer 9

Gradually impedes urine output b/c it obstructs urethra. Urinary frequency, hesitancy, straining, weak stream, intermittent stream, sensation of incomplete emptying, nocturia.

Question 10

Prostate Cancer Risks

Answer 10

Family history (esp. 1* relative), BRCA2 gene mutation, diet (red mead, processed meat, fats, dairy increase risk; high fiber, fruits, & veggies lower risk).

Question 11

Pilonidal Cyst

Answer 11

Hair follicle containing cyst located in the midline over the coccyx or lower sacrum. B/T ages of 15 & 30.

Question 12

Anorectal Fistula

Answer 12

Chronically inflamed GI tract creates an abnormal passage out to skin surrounding anus. Usually originates from an abscess, may drain sarosanguineous or purulent matter when pressure is applied.

Question 13

Rectal Prolapse

Answer 13

Rectal mucous membrane protrudes through anus, looks like a moist red don us with radiating lines. If incomplete only mucosa bulges, if complete it includes the anal sphincters. Occurs following Valsalva.

Question 14

Pruitis Ani

Answer 14

Intense perianal itching. Skin around anus is red, raised, thickened, & excoriated.

Question 15

Abscess

Answer 15

Localized cavity of pus from infection in pararectal space. Usually extends from anal crypt.

Question 16

Rectal Polyp

Answer 16

A protruding growth from the rectal mucous membranes. Can be pedunculated (on a stalk; think pendulum) or sessile (on the surface, close to mucosal wall). Requires protoscopy and biopsy.

Question 17

Fecal Impaction

Answer 17

Collection of hard, desiccated feces in the rectum. Often results from decreased bowel motility (more water is absorbed from the stool).

Question 18

Rectal Carcinoma

Answer 18

Malignant neoplasm in the rectum. Asymptomatic, so routine palpation is important. About 50% are malignant. Early lesion may be a single firm nodule, and you may palpate an ulcerated center w/ rolled edges. As lesion grows it has an irregular cauliflower shape and is fixed and stone-hard.

Question 19

Prostatitis

Answer 19

Inflammation of the prostate. Presents w/ fever, chills, malaise, dysuria, increased frequency and urgency, urethral discharge, dull, aching pain in perineal or rectal area.

Question 20

Prostatic Carcinoma

Answer 20

Presents with frequency, nocturne, hematuria, weak stream, hesitancy, pain/burning on urination, continuous pain in low back, pelvis, & thighs. Malignant neoplasm often starts as a single hard nodule on the posterior surface, producing asymmetry and a change in consistency. As it invades normal tissue, multiple hard nodules appear, or the entire gland feels stone hard and fixed; median sulcus is obliterated.