Is this cancer?

[moorey7]

I am 29 year old male and for the past 2 weeka have been suffering with an ache in my anus and the inside feels like the skin is itching/moving (hard to describe the feeling)
On examining just inside the opening of the anal hole there are 2 or 3 small fleshy lumps that if I touch them give me the exact same feeling I have all the time so I know that is where the discomfort is coming from. My bowel movements are as much as 3/4 times on one day then the next only once or twice but stools seem normal. Before this irritation occurred I had issues with an ache in lower abdomen and passing mucus only stools. The doctor prescribed me some tablets that prevent stomach cramping. Could this feeling I have now be a side effect of the tablets but also what are the small bumps just inside the anal opening ?

[Kamal S Saini, MD, MRCP (UK), DM]

Hi,
You have had abdominal pain and cramps recently, along with increased bowel movements and peri-anal itching.
This is most likely because of an episode of infection. You need to get your stool tested, and take a course of antibiotics (ciprofloxacin-metronidazole combination would work well).
The "fleshy lumps" you felt are probably mucosa of the anal canal or the underlying veins.
In case your symptoms do not improve after a few days of antibiotics, then please schedule an appointment with a doctor.
All the best, and God bless!

[MArquiz]

A related discussion, Hi was started.

[Kamal S Saini, MD, MRCP (UK), DM]

Hi,
It could be a number of things less serious than colon cancer.
Good Luck!

[moorey7]

thanks doctor,

would colon cancer present itself in this way or could it be a number of things less serious

[Kamal S Saini, MD, MRCP (UK), DM]

Hi,
I am surprised that you have net had any antibiotics for your abdominal symptoms, which may well have been infective in origin. A simple course of antibiotics would surely have helped in this case.
In any case, you need a detailed check to exactly diagnose the problem. You could opt for a "Virtual Colonoscopy" if your appointment for signmoidoscopy is taking long.
All the best!

[moorey7]

Hi Doctor,

My GP prescribed sleeping tablets as he thinks the dizziness is lack of sleep. I just feel like I cant keep going the doctor as I dont feel any better and I get told it is nothing to worry about.
I am still having the ache in lower left abdomen and combined with fatigue and being dizzy all the time, is there a chance I have something really serious.
My appointment for sigmoidoscopy was put through as non urgent so I have to wait weeks, but what if they have missed something serious. I feel terrible everyday and I just wish my life was normal again as it is putting a strain on everyone around me.
Are these symptoms classic signs of something serious-

Abdominal discomfort (for 3 months)
Some days increased toilet frequency passing stool and some days very dark brown stool
Fatigue
Dizzyness (or lightheadedness- I feel like I am losing balance rather than room spinning)

Everyone tells me to trust the doctors as they would have found something serious straight away but I just keep thinking if it is nothing why do I feel so lousy!

Is there a list of things that could be wrong with me or is it becoming more likely to be something serious?


Moorey7

[Kamal S Saini, MD, MRCP (UK), DM]

Hi,
Yes, this may weel be the case.
Take care!

[moorey7]

thanks doctor,

could the dizziness and ear ringing be anxiety or lack of sleep ?

[Kamal S Saini, MD, MRCP (UK), DM]

Hi,
I dont think that your fitful sleep and fatigue are because of your previous peri-anal pain.
You should try some relaxation techniques and yoga. These will help you relax and sleep better. Regular exercises too may be helpful in this regard.
Good Luck!

[moorey7]

Hi doctor,

What is going on with me I am impossible to live with at the moment!!!
I still have aches in my abdomen but only now and again and my bowel movements are a lot better than they have been in a long time (maybe ibs?)
My problem now is that I am waking up several times every night and throughout the day I feel light headed and dizzy and extremely tired.I also have ringing in my ears all the time.
Could this be related to my abdominal problems (can anything cause all these symptoms) or is it more likely to be anxiety or lack of sleep?
I feel like I control one thing and then something else comes along. I am driving everybody mad with my illnesses !

[Kamal S Saini, MD, MRCP (UK), DM]

Hi,
Great to hear that the endoscopic examination of the anus / rectum was all clear.
Given your medical history, the chances of a "nasty surprise" during sigmoidoscopy are remote.
Please relax.
Good Luck!

[moorey7]

Hi doctor,

I went to my appointment at the hospital and she did a test with a tube and light and says everything seems fine inside rectum however to cover all angles she has ordered a sigmoidoscopy but feels it will be only to put my mind at ease that it is nothing serious. She has not put me through as an urgent referral so could take weeks.
I have stopped worrying as much now and feel relieved from what i was told but my only question is could there still be a chance of something nasty turning up on my sigmoidoscopy or would anything nasty have been apparent during feeling my stomach and inserting a tube up my anus?

[Kamal S Saini, MD, MRCP (UK), DM]

Hi,

That is absolutely correct. Please do not worry now. Just get the appropriate tests done.

I am sorry to hear about your friend with bowel cancer. I know this must be tough for you, but please do not develop a cancer phobia, or try to attribute all your abdominal symptoms to cancer.

Pl keep me informed about your progress.

Good Luck!

[moorey7]

thanks doctor, i am struggling at moment with worrying there is something wrong with me especially as I have symptoms as well. i feel reassured the mass deep in abdomen may not be anything serious. My friend died recently of bowel cancer and was only 22 years old and I think I should stop worrying and get checked out.
Many thanks again doctor

[Kamal S Saini, MD, MRCP (UK), DM]

Hi,
Please refrain from pressing and poking your abdomen. You may damage or hurt yourself.
There are many possible structures you may have felt; kidney is more likely.
Good Luck!

[moorey7]

Hi doctor,

thank you for your help. finally if you are lying down and you press down deep into the abdomen (inch left of belly button)  is it normal to feel a hard mass. could this be an internal structure inside the abdomen ?

[Kamal S Saini, MD, MRCP (UK), DM]

Hi,
In fact, it is quite likely that you do NOT have cancer.
Please get a thorough investigation done, and do not worry just yet.
Best of Luck.

[moorey7]

But can it be a number of things and not just cancer?

Moorey

[Kamal S Saini, MD, MRCP (UK), DM]

Hi,
Taking antispasmodics for abdominal cramps will bring symptomatic relief for a few hours only. A course of antibiotics effective against gastro-intestinal bacteria (gram negative and anaerobes) should have been administered (after collecting samples for culture and sensitivity) as you had symptoms suggestive of infection.
Antibiotics for throat infection (gram positive or other bacteria) may not always be effective for intestinal infection.
Having had symptoms for over six weeks now, you should get a comprehensive workup done. Please see an internist.
All the best!

[moorey7]

Hi doctor,

During the last six weeks I have had no antibiotics only antispasmodic tablets for a week. Previous to my current symptoms I took antibiotivs for a throat infection over 6 weeks ago which at first doctor thought my ache in abdomen was a side effect from taking the antibiotics. As the ache did not go away that is why i kept on going back to see doctor who kept saying abdomen feels fine but arranged for me to see consultant to be sure.
My concerns are now is are there a list of problems i could be having or is it more likely to be cancer because the symptoms have lasted for so long?
Thanks

[Kamal S Saini, MD, MRCP (UK), DM]

Hi,
I am still unclear about whether you have at all had any antibiotics during the past six weeks that your illness has lasted. Also, have you had a stool tested for culture/sensitivity?
Good Luck!

[moorey7]

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your speedy replies. I went back to the doctor who said abdomen is still soft and said just to take paracetamol for stomach ache in lower left abdomen and wait for my appointment with the colorectal consultant.
It is just worrying the length of time I have had this ache, is there a list of things that could be wrong with me or does it just point to having colon cancer? All I can think about is that I must have cancer because normal aches and strains would have gone by now as it has been over 6 weeks.
Are there other illnesses that mirror the symptoms of cancer- abdominal pain and feeling i need to go toilet a lot
Thanks

[Kamal S Saini, MD, MRCP (UK), DM]

Hi,
I am not sure what the "mass" is. Your doctor could not feel anything when he examined your abdomen. This is reassuring. Also, you have an appointment with the specialist coming up in a couple of weeks.
In the meanwhile, a course of antibiotics would, in my opinion, benefit you. A combination of ciprofloxacin and tinidazole for about 7 days would be appropriate.
Please do not poke your abdomen.
Good Luck!

[moorey7]

hi doctor,
what could the mass be that i feel though. The ache is always there and makes me feel like I need to go for a stool (and a lot of gas sometimes!) If i go out on a journey I feel like I need to go and worrying makes it worse, I am constantly checking where toilets are if I go anywhere. Is my poking making the symptoms worse, I feel it also helps a little if I press on my hip bone and also bottom of my back. I hope this makes sense. my appointment at the colorectal surgery is not for another 2 weeks and I dont know what to do with myself until then! The pain in my left side is not great but I am conscious it is always there (more of an ache)

Moorey 7