The colon, which makes up part of the large intestine, is a long tube at the end of the digestive system where the body makes and stores fecal matter. The anus is the opening at the end of the digestive tract where the fecal matter gets expelled from the body. There are a number of diseases that can affect the ability of the colon and the anus to work properly.
Diverticulitis
As people age, high or abnormal pressure in the large intestine can cause small pouches to develop in the inner wall of the colon. The presence of these pouches is known as diverticulosis. When these pouches become inflamed, the condition is called diverticulitis. Occasionally the pouches will burst and stool from the colon can spill into the abdominal cavity.
Symptoms of diverticulitis include abdominal pain, chills, fever, nausea, vomiting and weight loss and often appear in flare-ups. During an acute attack of diverticulitis, antibiotics are prescribed for treatment. If attacks occur often or if abscesses in the colon or fistulas--which are abnormal skin connections between the colon and another part of the body--appear, the diseased part of the colon may be surgically removed.
Colon Polyps
Colon polyps are small clusters of cells that form on the lining of the colon. Colon polyps can take on different forms and range from small and flat to large and mushroom-shaped. Polyps form as a result of a mutation in the genes that control and regulate cell growth, according to the Mayo Clinic. These polyps are usually benign, but can occasionally develop into colon cancer. Small colon polyps usually do not produce any symptoms, but larger polyps may be accompanied by rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, constipation, diarrhea, pain or obstruction.
Risk factors for the development of colon polyps include increasing age, smoking, alcohol use, sedentary lifestyle and being overweight. Since there is some risk of a polyp developing into cancer, they are usually removed when found. This can be done in two ways: snare or surgery. Snaring the polyp consists of inserting a wire loop through the anus and into the colon, then catching the polyp and cutting it from the intestinal wall. Surgery requires that the surgeon enter through incisions in the abdominal wall to cut out the polyps.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins that are located around the anus and lower rectum. Hemorrhoids may be located internally, inside the anus, or externally, outside the anus. Hemorrhoids most often occur as a result of straining or intense pushing to move a stool. Other causes include pregnancy, aging, anal intercourse, and chronic diarrhea or constipation. Symptoms of a hemorrhoid include blood in the stool, irritation, pain and itching. Most hemorrhoids are not serious and usually disappear after a few days. Severe or recurrent hemorrhoids may require surgical removal.
