Do I need to know it's a fistula?

[buttER]

I got the colonoscopy report back from the doctor, and in it he says he thinks the perianal lump I have is a fistula. I assumed it was a cyst.

Do I need to do anything about it? The doctor didnt mention it to me at all. The lump does not bother me too much, it does not hurt. It does bleed when I have to wipe myself alot and sometimes for apparently no reason, maybe just from abrasion (cyling, sitting.....)

Opinions gratefully received.

 

[lgpcarter]

You need to pay attention to fever or possible infection if it is a fistula and an abscess forms. I have some that drain externally and started as hard lumps before they broke through to drain.

 

[The Real MC]

A fistula has the risk of leaking toxic intestinal waste into your system, so not something to be trifled with lightly!

 

[lgpcarter]

A fistula has the risk of leaking toxic intestinal waste into your system, so not something to be trifled with lightly!

Not quite. A fistula is basically just a tube between two things - it could perhaps be from an abscess and then burrows out externally to drain. It could be between two pieces of bowel or from bladder to bowel. Some are blind and haven't gotten anywhere yet. A very quick overview: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002365.htm