Anal pain, rectal bleeding, and discomfort can be more than just an inconvenience—they may be signs of serious rectal health problems like anal fissures or fistulas. In Peoria, AZ, many people wonder whether a colon rectal doctor can diagnose these issues accurately. The short answer is yes. These specialists are trained to understand and treat diseases that affect the lower gastrointestinal tract, including the anus and rectum.
This blog will explain how a colorectal specialist diagnoses conditions like anal fissures and fistulas, what tools and techniques they use, and what to expect if you need care in Peoria, AZ.
What Is a Colon Rectal Doctor and What Do They Treat?
A colon rectal doctor, also known as a proctologist or colorectal specialist, focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions related to the colon, rectum, and anus. These specialists are experts in managing colon and rectal diseases like hemorrhoids, cancer, anal fissures, fistulas, and more.
People often visit a colon rectal doctor when they experience chronic anal discomfort, anal pain, or rectal bleeding. These symptoms can be scary, but with early detection and treatment, many rectal disorders can be successfully managed with minimally invasive colorectal procedures.
How Do Colon Rectal Doctors Identify Anal Fistulas and Fissures?
One of the most common reasons people search for a “colon rectal doctor near me” is because of painful or persistent rectal problems. So, how do colon rectal doctors identify anal fistulas and fissures? They use a combination of medical history, physical exams, and diagnostic tools to make a clear diagnosis.
The first step is usually a digital rectal exam, where the doctor gently inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for abnormalities. This simple test helps detect swelling, tears, or signs of infection. If more information is needed, the doctor may perform an anoscopy or sigmoidoscopy to look inside the rectum using a small, lighted device.
Tools and Tests Used for Diagnosis
In addition to the digital exam, an anoscopy allows the doctor to closely examine the anal canal for fissures or abnormal openings caused by a fistula. A sigmoidoscopy may be used to view the lower part of the colon and rectum to rule out other gastrointestinal issues. These procedures are often done in-office and don’t usually require anesthesia.
Doctors might also ask about other symptoms like pus, fever, or drainage, which often suggest a fistula. All these methods help with the diagnosis of rectal disorders and guide the next steps for treatment.
What’s the Difference Between Anal Fissures and Fistulas?
Though both cause discomfort, anal fissures and fistulas are very different conditions. A fissure is a small tear in the skin around the anus, often caused by straining during bowel movements or passing hard stools. It can lead to rectal bleeding and anal pain, especially during or after going to the bathroom.
On the other hand, an anal fistula is a tunnel that forms between the inside of the anus and the skin around it. It usually results from an infection in a gland that didn’t heal properly. Fistulas can cause drainage, swelling, and pain that gets worse over time if untreated.
Understanding the difference helps the colon rectal doctor choose the right treatment. While some fissures heal on their own, fistulas often require medical treatment or even anal fissure surgery by a colon rectal doctor.
Treatment Options for Fissures and Fistulas
Once the problem is identified, your doctor will recommend a treatment plan based on your condition. For fissures, simple treatments like warm baths, stool softeners, and special creams can often help them heal naturally. But if the fissure becomes chronic, or if it doesn’t heal after several weeks, your doctor might suggest a minor surgical procedure to relax the muscle and promote healing.
For fistulas, surgery is more common. These are not likely to heal on their own and can lead to ongoing infection or pain. A colorectal specialist can perform a minimally invasive procedure to remove the fistula tract and help the tissue heal correctly. These procedures are safe and can bring lasting relief to people dealing with lower gastrointestinal tract problems.
When to See a Colon Rectal Doctor in Peoria, AZ
If you’ve been dealing with ongoing pain, bleeding, or discomfort in the rectal area, it’s a good idea to see a specialist. You shouldn’t have to suffer in silence or feel embarrassed. These doctors deal with rectal health every day and are trained to help you get better fast. Look for a colon rectal doctor in Peoria, AZ who has experience diagnosing and treating colorectal diseases using both simple exams and advanced tools.
Why Accurate Diagnosis Matters
Getting the right diagnosis quickly is important. Misdiagnosed fissures or fistulas can lead to bigger problems like infections or even long-term damage to the anal muscles. That’s why choosing a qualified colon rectal doctor is so important—they know how to tell the difference between common symptoms and something more serious.
An accurate diagnosis also helps avoid unnecessary procedures. If your doctor knows exactly what’s wrong, they can offer minimally invasive colorectal procedures that reduce recovery time and get you back to normal life sooner.
Living Comfortably with the Help of a Colorectal Specialist
Living with chronic anal discomfort can make everyday life difficult. Whether it’s pain while sitting, going to the bathroom, or worrying about rectal bleeding, these issues take a toll. But help is available. A colon rectal doctor near you can guide you toward solutions that make a real difference.
With the right care and proper treatment, many people go on to live pain-free. Regular follow-ups and good hygiene can prevent new fissures or fistulas from forming. The key is not to ignore the symptoms—listen to your body and seek help early.
Conclusion
Anal fissures and fistulas may seem like uncomfortable topics, but they’re more common than many people think—and they can be diagnosed and treated accurately by a Colon Rectal Doctor in Peoria, AZ. With the right combination of expertise, diagnostic tools like digital rectal exams, anoscopy, and sigmoidoscopy, and a compassionate approach, colon rectal doctors can bring relief to those suffering from anal pain, rectal bleeding, or gastrointestinal issues. If you’re experiencing symptoms, don’t wait. Getting the right care now can make all the difference for your rectal health.
