anal squamous cell carcinoma in situ in perianal area

Hi

So sorry to hear that you find yourself in this situation.

See my posts under  "Newbie from the UK. Diagnosed with AIN iii this afternoon" which describes my journey so far. Page 2 of this section of the forum I think.

I am recovering well after my latest excision.

Let me know once you have had a read through if you have any specific questions not covered and if I can help, I will surely try.

Remember that this is an early diagnosis and it is debatable as to whether this is or isn't the beginnings of cancer. It is certainly microscopic disease but prognosis is good. The hardest thing so far for me is realising I will never be entirely free of the worry of it returning, but that is surely the case for anyone touched by disease.

You will also see that during my diagnosis, I was also diagnosed with Sarcoidosis, I strongly believe that this auto-immune disorder is connected and would be interested in learning if you had any similar medical history of this kind.

Best regards

K8M 

Sorry you have to go through this, I was diagnosed in 2009 with the same and went through countless surgeries for 5 years before treatment. After the excision ask them if you have packing before you leave the hospital. I wasn't told about it the first time and thought parts of my insides came out during a bm. Words of advice post excision, take your stool softeners and pain meds, use the sitz bath often and take it easy. Wishing you the best, let me know if I can answer anything else for you.

7243 said:

Colorectal surgeon with experience I hope

Hello dear one ... Be certain your surgeon is a board certified colo-rectal surgeon with experience in this disease.  A reminder ... I'm sure you've looked at this already!  Find a surgeon you trust 100 %.  

 

Best wishes ... Looks like great experience and input from other friends here on the site.  Worry is so normal ... I'm sorry for your sense of being alone ... I struggled with that too.  Find good and loving friends , tell them and let them support you.  No need to tell all...this is your life.  But be sure to find those special friends ... Support so important.  

Take care ... One step at a time. 

 

Check this out if u have not seen ... UCSF leads the way

http://www.ucsfhealth.org/clinics/dysplasia/index.html

This gentleman has done much research and many publications ... Perhaps a second opinion here at UCSF?  Just a thought ... Don't rush into surgery if not ready ... Ck all options. I only suggest ... Follow mefical advice.  But once cut ... You cannot undo.  Look at 20 plus publications ... and He is the founder and president of the International Anal Neoplasia Society and president-elect of the International Papillomavirus Society. 

http://www.ucsfhealth.org/joel.palefsky

 

 

Thanks for posting the links to UCSF and also Dr. Palefsky.  UCSF would be my first choice if I were diagnosed with anal dysplasia.  I virtually know two people who have been treated for dysplasia and follow-up for anal cancer by Dr. Berry at the UCSF Dysplasia Clinic.  They think he is wonderful.

AJKK said:

Detection?

Hi, I have yet to be seen but hoping to find out from those who have had rectal or anal squamous cells how they were screened? Where did you go? Can the ER do any of the testing or does it require a specific field of doctor(s)? Signs and symptoms? I was diagnosed with cervical displaysia level 4, 2 years ago. I had no idea that you could contract HPV rectally. I am fearful it was missed and have constant discomfort, a burning sensation, and constant nausea. I am also beside myself with worry and fear. Any advice or words of wisdom would be beyond appreciated.

I'm sorry to hear that you have already dealt with cervical dysplasia and I hope you are doing well in that regard now.  As for anal dysplasia or cancer, IMO the best specialist to consult would be a colorectal doctor.  Do not go to the ER!  Colorectal doctors can perform a digital rectal exam and an anoscope, which is a short scope used to view the anal canal.  They can also do a thorough exam of the perianal area, looking for any external lesions.  If you are having discomfort and burning, you should definitely get checked.  Itching is also a common symptom.

At the time of my diagnosis of anal cancer Stage 1-2 in 2008, I had been experiencing bleeding with BM's, chronic constipation, a feeling of never being completely emptied out after a BM, abdominal discomfort and bloating, fatigue and weight loss.  I was completely shocked when I went to a colorectal doctor for a consult visit prior to her doing my first colonoscopy when she stated she wanted to examine me that day after taking my history and hearing my symptoms.  After the exam (DRE & anoscope), she told me she was 99% sure I had cancer.  I had the colonoscopy 2 days later, at which time she did a biopsy, which came back a few days later showing squamous cell cancer.  

Unfortunately, the general belief of most people is that unless you have had anal sex, you are not at risk for anal dysplasia/cancer.  However, this is SO not true, as many of us have learned.  Due to the design of the female anatomy, things being close together down there, it is quite possible.  Anal dysplasia can lead to anal cancer, so I hope you will get thoroughly checked out by a colorectal specialist who can do the appropriate exams and has experience in dealing with these two.  I wish you all the best and hope that you will get the all clear. 

sandysp said:

symptoms

So sorry to hear you have found your self in this unhappy development. I just have this thought to add:  Your nauseau may be caused from nerves related to being stressed out about this development.

Please make sure you tell your doctor about your nausea and don't hesitate to ask for something to calm you.

I have another friend that was diagnosed with cancer and couldn't even keep the stuff they give you to drink for a CT scan or PET Scan. Later a psychiatrist who specializes in lung cancer (which is what she has at stage IV) prescribed Adavan, and her nausea left. She gave up earlier on when taking chemo because of the nausea which no anti nausea medicine helped, but the adavan may have nelped her with.  She is now refusing treatment, taking Adavan and of course whatever else they give her for pain on hospice. But I can only wonder if they had treated her nausea with adding Adavan sooner, if she could have at least seen the scan to see if the chemo that she took which affected her so badly had any effect on the tumor(s).

I tend to get diarreah when I am nervous about stuff and queasy feelings in my stomach but not full fledged nausea. I don't think the nausea is a symptom coming directly from your carcinoma but from your reaction to the carcinoma which is perfectly natural. In these situations, sometimes we have to do things we would not ordinarily do, like take a tranquilizer.

We will all be here for you through these days ahead.

Do listen to Martha. She is "right on" as usual.

All the best,

Sandy

Interesting that you mentioned ativan.  It was one of the three drugs prescribed to me to try for nausea during my treatment.  And the nurse practioner doing my patient education session also said "and use it for anxiety anytime you need it".  It definitely helped at that time and I still take it as I need.  My anxiety and panic pre-existed the cancer and have re-emerged as symptoms of depression.

Janet