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Cervical cancer or anal cancer?

jenflower1
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Hi everyone I'm 23 years old and have been having embarrassing issues for a while now.

A few months ago I noticed itching and was bleeding when going to the toilet but it seemed to be coming from the area around the anus not the actual anus itself as the skin looked cracked and dry. I used some hemarrhoid cream and didn't have bleeding again for months so assumed it was just that. I felt really itchy a few days ago and scratched a lot and it started bleeding again so I put the cream on and it hasn't bled since. Yesterday I noticed a small painful bump under the skin near the anus, it feels like when you have a spot on your face that is under the skin and you can't burst it, that kind of thing. The skin in that whole area is pink, like a diaper rash that a baby would get.

I looked at the symptoms for anal cancer and now I'm absolutely petrified. 

I've also been having aches and twinges in my lower abdomen on the left and right side just above my groin. I had a vaginal exam done because of occasional itching and excess discharge (normal white colour but just quite frequent) where they found ectropion on my cervix but my vagina looked fine otherwise, and had a swab taken which came back clear of any infection. 

It is my own fault I know for not going months ago but as I'm only 23 and it went away after a few days I didn't think it could be something serious. I want to go to my GP but I have health anxiety and have been to them a few times recently with unrelated issues so they tend to just dismiss me now.

I'm really worried that I have cancer. I am considering paying for a full body MRI scan just so I know that there's nothing sinister going on but it is very expensive and realistically I can't afford it. Just so stressed at the moment 

  • Hi jenflower1,

    I'm sorry to hear about the difficulties you're having at the moment. Firstly, try not to assume the worst - and also avoid Googling if you can, as this often shows irrelevant or outdated information that can increase worry.

    It's always best to see your GP if you have health concerns, so do make an appointment to try to get this sorted. Perhaps make a note of the symptoms and what's happened in the last few months, like you have done here, so you can talk it through with them and hopefully get some answers.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

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    Hi I had this same issue twice the second time it was that big I was sent to a n e I couldn't walk, obviously they examined to make sure there was no connection to the inside and done there checks (sorry for this in advance) but I ended up popping it once it got huge and I'm scarred but it released all the pain. I would say gp and they may send you for examination if you are concerned tell them you want an examination to put your mind at ease. 
     

    hope everything turns out ok

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