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Feeling dismissed when requesting further investigation following digital examination

curiouscat
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Hi Everyone, I hope this all finds you well :)

For some context, I am a woman in my early 20s and have been struggling with issues that have led to concerns of anal cancer. 

For around a year, perhaps longer, I have experienced bleeding, severe itching, thick discharge, recurrent infections, fatigue (within recent weeks I have slept 18+ hours a night regularly), more frequent bowel movements, diarrhea, and a palpable lump that *feels* around pea-sized around the entrance. There's tiny bump slightly further in, which might be relevant later.

These issues, combined with a few instances of vomiting what looked to be black lumps, led to me contacting the GP.

I had a digital exam within the last year, and was told the lump was likely a skin tag yet I was never offered any treatment for the quite disruptive symptoms. I can accept the fatigue may be a result of recurrent infection or lifestyle, but the discharge and bleeding are quite disruptive to my day-to-day. Yet, this weekend, I had another digital exam and described my symptoms, to which I couldn't help but sense this doctors boredom whilst I described them. During the exam the doctor struggled to feel for a lump, upon feeling what I imagine was the particularly small one, they concluded that it was small enough that it was not a concern. I am suspicious that they did not identify the lump nearer the entrance. It is incredibly palpable during self examination, especially as it is rough in texture and remarkably itchy, but I struggle to direct doctors during digital examination. 

Ramble aside, the GP did not feel concerned, told me to get a hold of antibiotics for my infections (I thought this was their job?) and said that they could refer me to the colorectal team, yet I would be expecting a ~1.5 year wait. 


I consider myself fairly robust and reasonable, I'm not one to feel resentful or disparaged, but I can't help but feel as though a bit more due diligence would be reasonable. I understand that I am young, anal cancer is a rare disease at any age and nothing must wind up a doctor more than young adult hypochondria, but... 

Does anyone have any advice to lend? I don't have a consistent GP and move regularly, considering they have ruled out hemorrhoids, I think it's important to investigate this further, what do you all think? 

  • Hi curiouscat,

    As I noticed this was your first time posting and that you have not yet received a reply, I just wanted to take a moment to stop by to say hello and welcome you to the forum.

    It sounds like this has been a very unsettling and frustrating experience, especially as your symptoms have been ongoing for quite some time and are clearly affecting your day-to-day life.
    It may help to remember that while some symptoms can have relatively common explanations, this does not make the impact on you any less real or undeserving of attention. When symptoms persist or feel different from what you would expect, many people feel more comfortable seeking further review or asking for another opinion.

    If you don’t have a regular GP due to moving, you might find it helpful to keep a brief record of your symptoms, when they occur, and how they affect you. Some people find this makes conversations with healthcare professionals a little easier and helps ensure their concerns are fully explained. You can also let the GP know directly if you feel anxious or unsure following an examination - sometimes being open about this can encourage a more detailed discussion about options and reassurance.

    As many here can tell, waiting for referrals and not knowing what is happening can be particularly difficult. The uncertainty often causes more worry than anything else, so trying to focus on getting clear information and understanding what to expect next can sometimes make this period feel a bit more manageable.

    If you feel you would like to talk things through with someone independent, our team of nurses is available and used to speaking with people who are worried about symptoms or who feel unsure after appointments. You can call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

    I hope you find the forum to be a supportive place and that you can get the reassurance and answers you need soon. Please do keep posting if it helps to talk.

    Best wishes,

    Renata, Cancer Chat Moderator

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