Colorectal condition library

Plain-language guides to 60+ colorectal conditions — what the symptoms mean, what causes them, when to seek care, and how they’re treated. Reviewed by Dr. Kamrava. Educational, not a diagnosis.

• Benign Colorectal DiseaseAdhesive Small Bowel ObstructionAdhesive small bowel obstruction is a blockage of the small intestine caused by scar tissue (adhesions) that forms after surgery or inflammation.
• AnorectalAnal Canal AdenocarcinomaAnal canal adenocarcinoma is a very rare type of cancer that arises from the glandular cells within the anal canal, distinct from the more common squamous
• AnorectalAnal Cancer (Squamous Cell Carcinoma)Anal cancer is a rare cancer that forms in the tissues of the anus, with squamous cell carcinoma being the most common type, often linked to HPV infection.
• AnorectalAnal FissureAn anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anus that can cause sharp pain and bleeding during and after bowel movements.
• AnorectalAnal FistulaAn anal fistula is a small tunnel that develops between the end of the bowel and the skin near the anus, often resulting from a previous abscess.
• AnorectalAnal Intraepithelial Neoplasia (AIN)Anal Intraepithelial Neoplasia (AIN) is a precancerous condition with abnormal cell growth in the anal canal, strongly linked to the human papillomavirus (
• AnorectalAnal Itching (Pruritus Ani)Anal itching, or pruritus ani, is a common and often intense, irritating sensation that creates an urge to scratch the skin around the anus.
• AnorectalAnal StenosisAnal stenosis is an abnormal narrowing of the anal canal, often caused by scarring from previous surgery, that leads to difficult and painful bowel movemen
• AnorectalAnal Warts (Condyloma Acuminata)Anal warts are small, soft growths around and inside the anus caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection.
• Postoperative ComplicationsAnastomotic LeakAn anastomotic leak is a serious complication after surgery where a surgical connection (anastomosis) between two parts of the bowel fails, leading to leak
• Pelvic FloorAnorectal Pain SyndromeAnorectal pain syndromes are functional disorders causing rectal pain without an identifiable cause, including levator ani syndrome and proctalgia fugax.
• Benign Colorectal DiseaseAppendicitisAppendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, a small finger-shaped pouch branching off the large intestine, which typically requires emergency surgery
• Colon and RectumChronic Diarrhea of Unknown OriginChronic diarrhea of unknown origin is defined as persistent loose, watery stools for over four weeks, where a specific cause cannot be found despite a thor
• Colon and RectumClostridioides difficile ColitisClostridioides difficile colitis, or C. diff, is an infection of the large intestine that causes severe diarrhea, often after the use of antibiotics.
• Colon and RectumColorectal Adenoma (Polyp)A colorectal adenoma, or polyp, is a non-cancerous growth in the colon or rectum that has the potential to develop into cancer over time.
• Colon and RectumColorectal CancerColorectal cancer is a malignancy that develops in the colon or rectum, often originating from pre-cancerous polyps.
• colorectalColorectal Cancer (CRC)Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Screening and polyp removal can reduce incidence a
• Ostomy ManagementColostomy Care and ComplicationsEssential guidance for managing a colostomy, including pouching techniques, skin care, dietary advice, and recognizing potential complications.
• Colon and RectumCrohn's ColitisCrohn's colitis is a type of Crohn's disease that specifically causes inflammation in the large intestine (colon), leading to symptoms like diarrhea, pain,
• colorectalCrohn's Disease (CD)Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, causing a range of symptoms
• Colon and RectumDiverticulitisDiverticulitis is the inflammation or infection of small pouches in the colon, leading to abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits.
• Colon and RectumDiverticulosisDiverticulosis is a common condition where small pouches, or diverticula, form in the wall of the colon, and is often asymptomatic.
• Pelvic FloorDyssynergic DefecationDyssynergic defecation is a common type of constipation where the pelvic floor muscles fail to relax and coordinate properly during a bowel movement, leadi
• Pelvic FloorEnteroceleAn enterocele, or small bowel prolapse, is a condition where the small intestine descends into the lower pelvic cavity, creating a bulge in the vagina.
• Colon and RectumFamilial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) is a rare inherited condition that causes hundreds to thousands of polyps in the colon, leading to a near 100% risk of
• Pelvic FloorFecal IncontinenceFecal incontinence is the involuntary loss of stool or gas, a common condition that can significantly impact a person's quality of life.
• Colon and RectumFemoral HerniaA femoral hernia is a bulge in the upper thigh near the groin, caused by abdominal contents pushing through a weak spot in the abdominal wall called the fe
• Pelvic FloorFunctional ConstipationFunctional constipation is a common condition characterized by infrequent, difficult, or incomplete bowel movements without an underlying structural or med
• AnorectalHemorrhoidsHemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus or lower rectum that can cause symptoms like bleeding, itching, and discomfort.
• Colon and RectumHereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer (Lynch Syndrome)Lynch syndrome is an inherited disorder that significantly increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer and other cancers at a young age.
• Colon and RectumHigh-Output Stoma SyndromeHigh-output stoma syndrome is a condition, most common with ileostomies, where stoma output is excessively high, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imb
• Colon and RectumIleostomy Care and ComplicationsAn ileostomy is a surgically created opening in the abdomen that allows stool to pass out of the body, requiring specific care to manage output and prevent
• Colon and RectumInguinal HerniaAn inguinal hernia is a bulge of abdominal contents, such as intestine or fat, through a weak spot in the lower abdominal wall into the groin area.
• Pelvic FloorIrritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and altered bowel habits.
• Colon and RectumIschemic ColitisIschemic colitis is an inflammatory condition of the colon caused by a temporary reduction in blood flow, most often affecting the elderly.
• Colon and RectumLocal Recurrence of Rectal CancerLocal recurrence of rectal cancer is the return of cancer in the pelvis after initial curative surgery, a complex condition often requiring aggressive mult
• Pelvic FloorLow Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS)Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is a collection of bowel-related symptoms, such as incontinence and urgency, that occur after surgery for rectal can
• Colon and RectumMegacolon and Ogilvie's SyndromeMegacolon is a general term for an abnormally dilated colon, which can be acute, as seen in Ogilvie's syndrome (pseudo-obstruction), or chronic.
• Colon and RectumMicroscopic ColitisMicroscopic colitis is an inflammatory condition of the colon that causes chronic watery diarrhea, diagnosed by microscopic examination of colon tissue.
• Pelvic FloorObstetric Anal Sphincter Injury (OASI)An obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) is a tear of the muscles around the anus that can occur during a vaginal childbirth.
• Colon and RectumParastomal HerniaA parastomal hernia is a common complication of an ostomy where abdominal contents bulge out through the weakened muscles around the stoma.
• AnorectalPerianal AbscessA perianal abscess is a painful, pus-filled lump that forms near the anus, most often resulting from an infection of a small anal gland.
• AnorectalPerianal Crohn's DiseasePerianal Crohn's disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease causing inflammation and complications like skin tags, fissures, fistulas, and abscesses a
• Ostomy ManagementPeristomal DermatitisPeristomal dermatitis is skin inflammation around a stoma, often caused by leakage of stool or urine, allergic reactions, or infection.
• AnorectalPilonidal DiseasePilonidal disease is a chronic skin condition that causes a painful cyst or abscess near the top of the buttocks, often involving an infected hair follicle
• AnorectalPost-Hemorrhoidectomy Pain SyndromePost-hemorrhoidectomy pain syndrome is a chronic, often debilitating pain condition that persists for months after a hemorrhoidectomy, distinct from normal
• Surgical ComplicationPost-operative BleedingPost-operative bleeding is any bleeding that occurs after a surgical procedure. It can range from minor to life-threatening and requires prompt evaluation.
• Colon and RectumRadiation ProctitisRadiation proctitis is inflammation and damage to the rectum caused by radiation therapy for cancers in the pelvic area.
• Colon and RectumRectal Neuroendocrine Tumor (Carcinoid)A rectal neuroendocrine tumor, often called a carcinoid, is a rare, slow-growing tumor arising from hormone-producing cells in the rectum.
• Pelvic FloorRectal ProlapseRectal prolapse is a condition where the rectum, the last part of the large intestine, turns itself inside out and protrudes from the anus.
• Pelvic FloorRectoceleA rectocele is a bulging of the front wall of the rectum into the back wall of the vagina, caused by weakening of the tissue between the rectum and vagina.
• Pelvic FloorRectocele and EnteroceleA rectocele is a bulge of the front wall of the rectum into the vagina, while an enterocele is a herniation of the small intestine into the pelvic cavity.
• Colon and RectumSerrated Polyposis SyndromeSerrated Polyposis Syndrome is a condition characterized by multiple serrated polyps in the colon, increasing the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
• Pelvic FloorSolitary Rectal Ulcer Syndrome (SRUS)Solitary Rectal Ulcer Syndrome is a rare, benign condition caused by issues with defecation, leading to rectal ulcers, bleeding, and pain.
• Colon and RectumStoma Prolapse and RetractionStoma prolapse is the telescoping of the intestine out of the stoma opening, while retraction is the sinking of the stoma below the level of the skin.
• Colon and RectumUlcerative ColitisUlcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation and ulcers in the innermost lining of the large intestine and re
• Colon and RectumUmbilical HerniaAn umbilical hernia is a condition where part of the intestine or fatty tissue bulges through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles near the navel.
• structuralVascular Ectasia of the ColonVascular ectasia of the colon involves enlarged blood vessels in the colon, potentially leading to bleeding. Diagnosis involves colonoscopy,
• Colon and RectumVentral / Incisional HerniaA ventral or incisional hernia is a bulge of tissue that protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall, often at the site of a previous surgical inci
• Benign Colorectal DiseaseVolvulusVolvulus is a twisting of the intestine, most commonly the sigmoid colon or cecum, that causes a bowel obstruction and can cut off blood supply.