scarring in anal area

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pem
pem Member Posts: 81 Member
in Anal Cancer #1

hello all!  just wondering if its normal to still look like my anal area has burn like scars?  i finished treatment 14 months ago now and my skin in  that area still doesnt look normal.  it is red with patchy white spots here and there and still gets itchy.  the skin does still bleed easy too even if i wipe a little too hard with tissue.  not much pain, other then a fisture i have if pushed too hard on when wiping afterwords.  any information would be greatly appreciated.  thanks and god bless you all!  pem

 

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  • RoseC
    RoseC Member Posts: 559
    #2
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    Yes

    Hi pem - Yes, I'm over 5 years out and my anal area still looks red and like it was burned (which I guess it was). I bleed a little too, specially after a difficult bm. My colo-rectal surgeon says it's nothing to worry about and may always be like that. Doesn't bother me much at all other than being a little tender.

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #3
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    pem

    I think this is within the realm of normal after this brutal treatment.  The skin in that area is very friable and has suffered permanent damage from the radiation.  On your next examination, be sure to mention all of this to your doctor so it can be thoroughly looked at, but I think it's just something we all have to deal with.

  • pem
    pem Member Posts: 81 Member
    #4
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    mp327 said:

    pem

    I think this is within the realm of normal after this brutal treatment.  The skin in that area is very friable and has suffered permanent damage from the radiation.  On your next examination, be sure to mention all of this to your doctor so it can be thoroughly looked at, but I think it's just something we all have to deal with.

    Thanks ladies!

    I will definitely bring that up when I see my oncologist in June.  I'm hoping it's normal also. Not that anyone is gonna be looking at my behind on a regular basis or anything . I was just hoping there was other people on this site with simular looking markings since treatment.  Thx again!  Pem

  • Captain11
    Captain11 Member Posts: 88
    #5
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    seems about normal

    Hi, PEM... Sounds about normal... I have a lot of scarring, tightening of the tissue, etc both anal and vaginal.  It is normal for the stenosis (shrinking of the openings) after the radiation.  Make sure to tell your doc on the next visit everything and keep a journal... things may clear up faster than you know... time seems to get away from us.  Good luck to you and God bless.

     

  • pem
    pem Member Posts: 81 Member
    #6
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    Captain11 said:

    seems about normal

    Hi, PEM... Sounds about normal... I have a lot of scarring, tightening of the tissue, etc both anal and vaginal.  It is normal for the stenosis (shrinking of the openings) after the radiation.  Make sure to tell your doc on the next visit everything and keep a journal... things may clear up faster than you know... time seems to get away from us.  Good luck to you and God bless.

     

    Captain11

    Thanks for your reply!  However no one has mentioned if the being itchy is normal to be having  still. Could it be because the tissue is so dry and easy to tear?  I did buy some aquaphore ( sorry about the spelling)  but us it safe to use, cause it is protrolium based and not easily obsorbed. Won't it clog the pores or something down there?  I have been putting a little on certain areas that seem to itch the most but it feels so greasy.  I value averyones input soo much!  Thanks again!  Pem

  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    #7
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    Pem....

    Like others said, the redness, stenosis, some bleeding and pain are all considered normal here, but I'm not sure about the white spots. Could you have a yeast infection causing the itching? I am 3yrs post treatment and have a colostomy so while I deal with issues of my own my burndt anal area is "out of commission." I am however more sensitive to certain fabrics and laundry soaps, and wear a pad 24/7 for mucus discharge as a result of the ostomy and can only use certain brands or I itch like crazy!

    Good luck as you continue to move forward in health!!!

    katheryn

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