Difference Between Piles, Fissure and Fistula
2 February 2026 · 6 min read
Three common anorectal problems with very different symptoms and treatments. Learn how to tell piles, fissure and fistula apart.
Piles
Swollen blood vessels inside or around the anal canal. The hallmark is painless bleeding, sometimes with a lump that prolapses on straining.
Fissure
A small tear in the anal lining. The hallmark is sharp, cutting pain during and after passing stools, often with a few drops of blood.
Fistula
An abnormal tunnel from an infected internal gland to the skin. The hallmark is recurring discharge of pus and a swelling that keeps coming back.
Why the distinction matters
Each condition needs a different treatment plan, and more than one can exist together. Self-diagnosis often delays relief, so a short clinical examination is always worthwhile.
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