Anal Disease

There are many conditions that can affect the anus from benign but intrusive issues such as haemorrhoids and anal fissures, through to more sinister pathologies such as premalignant lesions and anal cancer.

Most conditions require a combination of surgical therapies along with lifestyle modifications to treat the cause of the issue. Dr Mackrill will discuss this with you during your appointment. Many of the surgeries can be done in less than an hour and do not require an overnight stay in hospital.

Anal cancer is an uncommon condition with less than 600 cases being diagnosed in Australia each year. However, its incidence has increased in the past two decades. In most cases it is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus just like cervical cancer and shares other similarities with this disease. Patients at risk of anal cancer can be screened for abnormal cells in a similar way women undergo cervical cancer screening.

Precancerous lesions can be resected or burnt away to prevent the formation of anal cancer. Dr Mackrill is a member of the International Anal Neoplasia Society and regular performs these checks.