Lump above anus

I’ve had a little lump on my anus, just above and on the anal margin. It went from the size of a pea to a peanut in the last 3 months. I’ve also had a stickier anus than usual, and my bowel movements have become more urgent. However I suffer from IBS. I know these are the symptoms oF anal cancer but I’ve not had any blood from there, nor lost weight. I’m strongly aware this is relayed to HPV but I don’t see how I could have got that unless it’s been dormant for decades. I do have an underlying health condition, namely a serious heart condition and acid reflux means I cough a lot. So a worrying picture. I’m seeing my GP in the next month or so. I’m 65.

  • The more I google my symptoms the more depressed and fearful I get. So difficult not to.

  • Hi there and thanks for posting

    I am sorry to hear about the symptoms you have that are concerning you.

    Unfortunately no one here can say what this may be caused by and therefore it is best you speak with your GP, so they can assess you.

    If needed they can refer you for more tests to find out more.

    Whilst this needs to be discussed with your doctor do remember that symptoms can be caused by many different things and often the cause won't be cancer.

    I hope you know more soon and that everything is okay for you.

    Best wishes

    Naomi

  • Thank you so much Naomi. It turns out it’s an anal fistula the doctor said after a DRE. I’m having another appointment at a general hospital in a week to have it look at to ‘exclude the possibility of cancer’. I’m somewhat relieved but still have that nagging insecurity. I would say to anyone reading this, don’t google your symptoms. It seems like all roads lead to cancer with the stress that causes. Get to your GP asap.