Anal Cancer questions

[Timmy131313]

I'll start by saying I have scheduled an appointment with a colon/rectal surgeon to be examined, but the appointment is not until next week.

I've recently felt a lump/hard spot on my anus. I have no idea how long it's been there. Thinking about it, it's possible it has been there for years. I'm a 29 year-old male. I'm heterosexual and have never had sex with a man or have been receptive to anal sex. I do smoke. I've never been tested for STDs, although I'm sure I have something like herpes or genital warts. My chances of having some sort of HPV is very high. I have been tested for HIV numerous times, and the test has always came back negative. I am in no pain at all, and have never felt pain in this specific area. I have noticed blood once or twice on toilet paper, but it was very subtle. I've never noticed any blood in the stool or toilet. In retrospect, there has been some itching from time to time. From the research I've done, anal cancer seems rare.. but hey.

Are there any other signs or symptoms other than the typical ones you can find on any website concerning anal cancer?

When I go to my appointment next week, will the doctor be able to tell me what it is that day? Or will it be a process for him to diagnose it?

Any other information, thoughts, or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Timmy131313]

I meant to say HE thinks it's a fissure tear, not I... sorry

[Timmy131313]

Thanks for the reply.

He said that he wasn't exactly sure what it is, but he doesn't think it's anything too serious. I believes it's a fissure tear. He did say a biopsy would be performed. He said anestheisa would happen. Are you aware of what kind of anesthesia would be given for a biopsy/fissure? This is a question I will be calling back to ask. Just curious on about what anesthesia you use in these situations.

The surgery is on August 16th. I will keep you guys posted.

Thanks!

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

What was the diagnosis made? If he is using a rubber band it could be piles or hemorrhoids. This can also present as an external pile. This causes no pain unless inflamed. An anal tag does not need to be removed. So, ask your doctor what is the most probable cause for the lump. A biopsy is needed to make a histological diagnosis. Good luck with your procedure.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.

[Timmy131313]

So I had my appointment this morning. The doctor couldn't exactly tell me what it is, but he said he doesn't believe that it's anything serious. Although he wants me in for surgery next month. Anesthesia will be involved. He also mentioned about performing a biopsy and using a rubberband. He said the surgery itself is only 30 minutes. Alot of the stuff he said was going over my head. I'm nervous, but at the sametime he doesn't think it's anything serious.

Since my mind was all over the place, I wasn't able to ask all of the questions that are now racing through my mind. I've never had surgery (besides a root canal). I'm just curious why it's necessary to have surgery considering there is no pain at all? I will call the hospital and ask this question, along with others. I'm just looking for a subtle second opinion, thoughts, or advice.

Thank you!

[Timmy131313]

Thanks for the response! I really hope the anal tag is the case (sounds better than cancer). My appointment is on Wednesday and I will definitely report back on this website.

One question.. Is it a necessity to have the anal tag removed? Is it okay to live with it, or is it a must to have it removed?

Thanks again!

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

Understand your predicament. It could be an anal fissure, with your history of minimal bleeding and itching. When the fissure heal they cause itching and leave behind tags, referred to as anal tags. You could be feeling those. Other causes could be due to HPV infection or herpes. Although some tumors its possible to make a diagnosis by examining the tumour, for a confirmatory diagnosis a biopsy is needed. A biopsy facilitates a histologic study of cells, which gives you a definite diagnosis. Good Luck with your consult.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.