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Found a lump in my rectum and I'm worried it is something se

Ap2022
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Hi,

I'm 22 so I know the chances of me having cancer are much lower but I don't feel like doctors are taking me seriously when I say I'm worried about having cancer. My mom passed away from breast cancer so I have health anxiety but this feels like it isn't just me stressing unnecessarily. 

I've been having constipation for over 3 months now, feeling like I'm full all the time and then started finding small spots of blood when I wipe. About 2 months back I found a hard lump in my rectum. It is the length of my middle finger deep. It feels pretty big and smooth to tough but I don't have any pain when touching it. This is what is blocking my bowel movements. 

I went to a walk in medical centre and they told me it was probably an anal fissure and prescribed me some laxatives. I went back to the doctor a few weeks ago and told them it wasn't improving and she increased my laxative dose. I'm still having to take laxatives to go to the toilet and the lump is still there. It is really stressing me out but I'm reluctant to go back.

Could this be a cancerous lump? Am I stressing for no reason?  If it is an anal fissure, would there be a hard lump? 

Please help 

  • Hello Ap2022 and thanks for posting, 

    I can understand you asking us, but I'm afraid I can't tell you what is causing this lump. This is something you need to talk over again with your GP. As you know, bowel cancer is uncommon in people in their early twenties so the chance of a cancer being the cause is low because of your age - another explanation is much more likely.

    Anal fissures can be associated with a lump sometimes, but I am not in a position to be able to tell you that your lump is due to a fissure, this is something that only a doctor can confirm. I am not sure if your GP has been able to examine this lump, but if not, I think you should ask them to. 

    You mentioned having some health anxiety and I can appreciate how having cancer in the family can cause worry about new or ongoing health problems. Do explain this to your GP and ask them to explain their thinking - this might help. Also health anxiety can be an ongoing issue and as most of us are likely to experience some symptoms now and then due to a variety of conditions, it might be a good idea to look into ways of tackling it- the GP may be able to help with this.

    Please give us a ring if you want to talk anything over, our number is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and we are around weekdays, 9-5.

    Best wishes, 

    Julia

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