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Anal cancer due to HPV transmitted by fingering?
Hello,
I have been suffering from GI problems for about 5 years. It started with an itchy anus/piles, then about 3 years ago, I had a lot of anal bleeding when going to the toilet - bright red. The doctor diagnosed an anal fissure, he also found an anal skin tag which he said was harmless. He prescribed a stool softener and the anal fissure apparently healed.
Early last year, I went through a stage of having lots of mushy stool with mucus. In the last few months tho, I have found it increasingly difficult to go to the toilet, I can never do this without straining, and even when I am finished, I feel I want to go again. Stool is flat and thin and smells like ammonia. I also have pains in my lower abdomen.
For 3 months now, I have been feeling pain in my groin and armpits, where the lymphnodes are. My doctor did a blood test and came back with 'low lymphocites'. I am now very concerned, as all these seem to be symptoms of anal cancer.
I explained to my doctor that 7 years ago, I had an encounter with a sex worker during which she fingered inside my anus several times, without protection. From what I have read, it seems possible that a cancer-causing strain of HPV could have been transmitted to my anus from this, and the 7-year timescale fits in with the length of time it takes for anal cancer to develop from anal HPV. The doctor said it was not possible to contract anal HPV this way, it would only be through penile to anal sex with a man, which I have never had. I have no other anal cancer risk factors.
His concern on the low lymphocites was possible HIV, for which he conducted another test, but this was negative. He insists that my lymph node pains and anal/abdominal problems are unconnected, and wants to prescribe me with medication for IBS.
Is my doctor right to dismiss this anal fingering from 7 years ago as a possible source of HPV which now could've developed into anal cancer? Thanks.
I have been suffering from GI problems for about 5 years. It started with an itchy anus/piles, then about 3 years ago, I had a lot of anal bleeding when going to the toilet - bright red. The doctor diagnosed an anal fissure, he also found an anal skin tag which he said was harmless. He prescribed a stool softener and the anal fissure apparently healed.
Early last year, I went through a stage of having lots of mushy stool with mucus. In the last few months tho, I have found it increasingly difficult to go to the toilet, I can never do this without straining, and even when I am finished, I feel I want to go again. Stool is flat and thin and smells like ammonia. I also have pains in my lower abdomen.
For 3 months now, I have been feeling pain in my groin and armpits, where the lymphnodes are. My doctor did a blood test and came back with 'low lymphocites'. I am now very concerned, as all these seem to be symptoms of anal cancer.
I explained to my doctor that 7 years ago, I had an encounter with a sex worker during which she fingered inside my anus several times, without protection. From what I have read, it seems possible that a cancer-causing strain of HPV could have been transmitted to my anus from this, and the 7-year timescale fits in with the length of time it takes for anal cancer to develop from anal HPV. The doctor said it was not possible to contract anal HPV this way, it would only be through penile to anal sex with a man, which I have never had. I have no other anal cancer risk factors.
His concern on the low lymphocites was possible HIV, for which he conducted another test, but this was negative. He insists that my lymph node pains and anal/abdominal problems are unconnected, and wants to prescribe me with medication for IBS.
Is my doctor right to dismiss this anal fingering from 7 years ago as a possible source of HPV which now could've developed into anal cancer? Thanks.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the forum.
First, reacting to the title you chose for your question, fingering rarely if ever transmits HPV. However, anal HPV is pretty common in heterosexual men, with no apparent anal sexual contact at all, and some anal HPV infections can cause cancer. It is rare in heterosexual men, but it happens. In the event you have (or someday develop) anal cancer, you will not be able to attribute it to any particular sexual exposure or fingering event.
There are no STDs that cause the GI symptoms you describe. The single aspect that in theory could be STD related is the anal fissure, mostly because herpes is a rare cause of fissures, and anal cancer could also cause a fissure. However, anal fissures are common, everyday problems in people with none of these problems, and also occur with increased frequency in people with various GI problems, like Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome. These esplanations are far more likely than any STD.
Finally, your other symptoms -- bowel function, armpit pain, low lymphocyte count, and so on -- are not suggestive of any STD. For sure they have nothing to do with HPV, and anal cancer would never cause such symptoms. These problems are entirely unrelated to your commercial sex contact all those years ago.
So my advice is to continue to work with your doctor, and perhaps also discuss whether you should be referred to a gastroenterologist for further evaluation. But based on the information provided, I'm sure it isn't anal cancer, HPV, or any other STD.
Best wishes-- HHH, MD
First, reacting to the title you chose for your question, fingering rarely if ever transmits HPV. However, anal HPV is pretty common in heterosexual men, with no apparent anal sexual contact at all, and some anal HPV infections can cause cancer. It is rare in heterosexual men, but it happens. In the event you have (or someday develop) anal cancer, you will not be able to attribute it to any particular sexual exposure or fingering event.
There are no STDs that cause the GI symptoms you describe. The single aspect that in theory could be STD related is the anal fissure, mostly because herpes is a rare cause of fissures, and anal cancer could also cause a fissure. However, anal fissures are common, everyday problems in people with none of these problems, and also occur with increased frequency in people with various GI problems, like Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome. These esplanations are far more likely than any STD.
Finally, your other symptoms -- bowel function, armpit pain, low lymphocyte count, and so on -- are not suggestive of any STD. For sure they have nothing to do with HPV, and anal cancer would never cause such symptoms. These problems are entirely unrelated to your commercial sex contact all those years ago.
So my advice is to continue to work with your doctor, and perhaps also discuss whether you should be referred to a gastroenterologist for further evaluation. But based on the information provided, I'm sure it isn't anal cancer, HPV, or any other STD.
Best wishes-- HHH, MD
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Your general health and tobacco and alcohol use are irrelevant. Plenty of healthy nonsmokers and nondrinkers have the conditions I mentioned and/or symptoms like yours.
Thanks for the thanks about the forum. I'm glad to have helped.
Thanks for the thanks about the forum. I'm glad to have helped.
Many thanks doctor, that is reassuring.
Because I don't smoke, drink alcohol or eat red meat, so should be fairly healthy, I am baffled as to why I would have such problems, so I guess I'm trying to think of *anything* unusual that might be the reason :(
The internet seems to be full of vague suggestions and 'could bes' so it's good to read a second opinion from an actually medically qualified person, thanks again. I think I will ask again to see a gastroenterologist.
Because I don't smoke, drink alcohol or eat red meat, so should be fairly healthy, I am baffled as to why I would have such problems, so I guess I'm trying to think of *anything* unusual that might be the reason :(
The internet seems to be full of vague suggestions and 'could bes' so it's good to read a second opinion from an actually medically qualified person, thanks again. I think I will ask again to see a gastroenterologist.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I agree with your doctor. This information doesn't change anything in my comments above.
Can I just add that my lymphnodes *are* swollen, and they feel quite hard to me, but my doctor said that if it were cancer-related, the swelling would be painless, which it is not, it is extremely tender, even when not touched. He says it is more likely an infection, but for nearly three months?!!
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
