Worried this might be anal cancer

@roywalton ,
Well, I would, but my primary says check with the gastroenterologists. And, the gastroenterologists recommend the colonoscopy. For whatever reason, they don’t want to order any scans or blood test for cancer markers. I guess I can try another medical facility.

See a doctor as soon as you can
...the feeling of taking control will help with your anxiety

@amyb5 ,

Thanks for that info.
After my intermittent anal pain, I got an appointment with the colorectal surgeon that I saw over a year ago for a thrombosed external hemorrhoid that burst on its on.( I went to her about that burst hemorrhoid and discovered it would heal on its own and it did.) She performed another anoscopy at the office visit and said it was completely normal. I explained I was afraid of cancer. She did see some internal hemorrhoids that were inflamed, but not needing treatment. She agreed with my hypothesis that my pain was proctalgia fugax.

She still wants me to get the colonoscopy, just to be cautious, plus to explore the constipation. They never have run any labs or scans. I read where a lot of people get those ordered, but I’ve been dealing with this problem for over 17 months. I don’t get it. Oh, my colonoscopy is still in April and can’t be moved up.

You should see a doctor I had 3 polyps removed on colonoscopy 1 had cancer cells mine I had bleeding for 3 years thought it was hemorrhoids and after the removal of the polyps bleeding has stopped. But now have intestinal inflammation so never can tell might be a non cancerous growth too. Have it checked out.

doesn't matter if you have or don't have HPV.
sometimes HPV can cause the cancer and my understanding is that the chemo/radiation will take care of the cancer that exist, but if you have the virus it stays with you and therefor can reoccur. If your cancer is unrelated to HVP then getting rid of the cancer is all you need. if it hasn't metastasized then you don't have to worry about reoccurrence.
treatment for cancer is the same.

I don’t know. I was hpv negative, but the tumor pathology tested positive for hpv16. I don’t understand how that testing works.

I appreciate that info. I will explore it.

Do you know if it matters, but I am HPV negative.

I had a normal colonoscopy while I had anal cancer (undiagnosed at the time of my colonoscopy). When I saw the colorectal surgeon to be evaluated (my pet scan found it, & my tumor labs were high), she said a colonoscopy is not the best way to diagnose anal cancer, the camera is on the end of the tube, & often completely misses them. She uses a scope in the office, it is disposable, has a light, & the camera is on the side, enabling her to look at the walls of the anus. Sorry for the long explanation. I would ask to see a colorectal surgeon. Good luck.

Hi @terrymayo50, you may also be interested in connecting with other members who have anal cancer in this discussion:
- Anyone else have Anal cancer?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anal-cancer-1/

I was told that chemo and radiation continue to work for weeks or even months after treatment. I'm glad you have your life back. Hard for many to see a colostomy as back to normal, but it beats some of the alternatives.
Keeping it in the back of my head as a possibility. Thanks for encouragement. I know things will get better.