Anyone have tumor removed from anal verge area?

Welcome @heather0717, As you've probably learned, the anal verge is where the canal connects to the outside skin at the anus. Cancers of the anal verge may be referred to as "perianal skin cancers," because they usually behave more like skin cancers than like anal cancers. Treatment may be different, depending on where the cancer is located.

I'm tagging fellow members @kowalski @marty28 @soniamckenzie @joan19 @wilcy @shaerical @jennipwalters and @geriincary on this discussion who also have experience with anal cancer, although I'm not sure of exact location.

Heather, has it been determined if the cancer cells are behaving more like skin cancer or like anal squamous cell carcinoma?

I have a growth inside the canal at the anal verge. It isn't cancer but it needs to be removed. I have had a CTscan and MRI and will be meeting with a surgeon in two weeks to find out what will be done. I had a similar growth 5 years ago but it was a bit farther up the canal and it was surgically removed. There were complications - bleeding and then scar tissue that almost completely closed off the colon. Then a series of dilatations to open up the canal.
I'm nervous about what will happen this time around. I'm in Toronto, Canada, BTW.
I am very interested @heather0717 in what has happened to you since December? I hope you are well. I was wondering whether removing a tumor at the anal verge would interfere with or take away bowel function. I should have some information as of August 1, after meeting with the doctor.

Morning! I had a tumor removed from this area. I thought I had hemorrhoids. My surgeon removed the tumor and it tested positive for squamous cell cancer. They started me on chemo and radiation. I now have issues with holding my bowels. When I feel the need to go, I better go quick. And I feel the need to go about 5 times a day at least. But I will take my condition over a colostomy bag any day. I was diagnosed in March of 2023 and I am getting a Petscan in August to determine if I am cancer free! Praying to God that I am as I don’t wish this illness on anyone! Good luck!

I hope that your scan in August gave you the results you were looking for. I too have squamous cell cancer. Mine is in the anus. Your fecal incontinence is most likely caused by the radiation you had. I’ve been dealing with it for months. Unfortunately, chemo and radiation didn’t work for me. I am now waiting to be scheduled for APR surgery which includes a colostomy. Like everyone else, I was against having a colostomy. I thought it would be the worst thing ever. Now after months of spending all my days in the bathroom, I am welcoming it. It will help improve my quality of life and I won’t always be looking for a bathroom wherever I go. Wishing you the very best of luck!

Morning! Such great news for me 2 weeks ago!! My pet scan showed I am cancer free! I will still keep getting blood work done about every 6 weeks for a while just to check markers are still clear! Such a relief! So sorry you are still going through this cancer! I will say a prayer for you!

I am in the same boat as you. Initially I was told that it looked like I was clear (colonoscopy), but a second check 6 weeks later (sigmoidoscopy) showed that I was not. I am scheduled for an APR in October which includes a colostomy. I try to keep the description of the operation out of my mind as it sounds too awful. I am also quite concerned about the recovery as it appears that it will be quite a process. I wish you the very best in dealing with the APR. We just have to stay strong.

I’m so sorry that your scan did not give you the results you were looking for. When I got my last scan results I just broke down in the doctor’s office. I felt so defeated. The weeks of chemo and radiation had not stopped my cancer from growing.
I’m having a PET scan at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville next week. Hopefully my surgery will be scheduled very soon. I feel so worn out. I’m looking forward to having the surgery and moving ahead.
I have watched many videos about the surgery, recovery and having a colostomy. They have helped me a lot. It helps to read about personal stories and how they have gotten through the ordeal.
Where are you having your surgery? I wish you the best of luck!

I am in South Africa and am going to Busamed Hillcrest Hospital. The very best with your surgery and adjusting to your new circumstances.