HPV and risk for anal cancer

I can understand your concerns.  When I experienced rectal bleeding back in 2008, I scheduled an appointment with a colorectal specialist.  She did an exam on me right in her office called anoscopy, which is a small scope inserted into the anus.  This is a simple exam (and painless for me) and requires no prep.  This is a very good way to view the anal canal.  It's good that you're getting a colonoscopy, but please know that that scope is not always done in a way that the anal canal can be viewed.  It's my understand that the scope must be turned back towards the anal canal in order to get a view.  I would definitely discuss this with the GI doctor who is doing your scope and make sure he/she will be taking a look at the anal canal.

In most cases, HPV is the suspected cause for anal cancer.  I never knew I had HPV (and still don't know), but was diagnosed with anal cancer in 2008 at the age of 54.  My tumor was on the fence between stage 1 and stage 2.  It is impossible to know what stage anal cancer someone has unless and until more physical exam and testing is done.  I had a PET scan to determine if there was any cancer in my lymph nodes, liver or lungs (which are the typical places anal cancer spreads to).  Fortunately, for me, my cancer was localized.  I had treatment in 2008 and am doing quite well 9 years later.

Please don't panic until you have something to panic about.  But if you can find no answers from the colonoscopy, then I would seek out a colorectal surgeon and have anoscopy done.  I wish you all the very best as you seek answers and I hope it turns out to be nothing more than hemorrhoids as your doctor has suggested. 

You've done all the right things. You've been persistant in seeking a diagnosis of your rectal bleeding regardless of the fact that numerous health professionals have told you it was "most likely" hemorrhoids. The protrusion and the bleeding are all good reasons to have a colonoscopy, esp. since you were informed of having HPV. Kudos to you for being adamant in your desire to find a cause for the bleeding. I know it is difficult waiting for your test, but for now the one you are waiting on will be the best diagnostic tool for what is going on. If anything abnormal is seen, an immediate biopsy will be taken during your procedure. It seems like a long wait but try and not allow yourself to be too anxious. I've always said to not waste your time on worry until it's necessary. Worry will not change your results, it will just make the wait more agonizing. If anal cancer is found take heart that it responds very well to treatment and in many cases it can be eliminated. Hang in there!

It has been almost a year since I was diagnosed. My cancer was found due to suspicious lymph nodes showing up on a CT scan for stomach pain, (completely not associated with my anal cancer). I had had severe rectal bleeding for about 6 months prior to that and a mass that would push out during BM's but assumed hemorrhoids as did my GI. Thankfully something else sent me to the ER or I probably would have let it go even longer. Also, just because you were diagnosed with HPV 12 years ago would not mean if there was a tumor that it had been there that long. From what I have read, these tumors are slow to develope. Also, most adults have had HPV and get over it, it's only a few that for some reason insist on keeping it around! You have been looking out for yourself and I commend you for that! I now tell anyone who will listen to tell their doc about ANY rectal bleeding and schedule a colonscopy if your over 50 regardless if you are having problems or not.

Take care and let us know how you make out,

Chris

Katie_984 said:

Thank you each for your

Thank you each for your replies! Hard to believe that this was two years ago, and unfortunately I am still dealing with rectal bleeding! The colonoscopy went well and I had the doctor turn the camera around to take pictures of the anus. He did see an anal papillae, but nothing else and no fissure. So, I went to a colorectal surgeon and she diagnosed me with having a fissure. She said having a skin tag (see original post), and papillae are common with fissures and are quite often seen together. I had the skin tag removed (it has since come back) and used nitroglycerin cream, which helped. However, I am still experiencing bleeding and even feel some rough spots and bumps. I am again convinced that I have anal cancer and went in for a anal pap today. I didn't know that you could get one of these and am wondering why it wasn't offered to ke two years ago. Regardless, I got one now and am anxiously waiting for the results. My history of HPV is very concerning to me. I am once again terrified. 

See if you can find a hospital near you that has something similar to the one at UCSF.  They do an anascope (wtih a vinager dye), and it shows up abnormal cells early.  Since you are HPV +, you need to get tracked periodically from now on.  I was HPV + and didn't know it.  Was diagnosed as a result of a colonoscopy as Stage 3a, but the doctor says the some colonoscopies wont' pick up anal cancer, so it is better to get an anascope periodically.

Hi all,

My husband first had, and still may have, HPV Tonsil Cancer.  He went through 35 rounds of radiation just before Xmas.  After treatment they did a CT Scan and his tonsil lit up, as well as, his anal area.  The DR. said he isn't sure if its tonsil cancer or scar tissue but recommends having his tonsils removed to play it safe, and they have scheduled a anal Biopsy for early August.  His colonoscopy came back normal, as well as, the Anoscope and finger test.  Have you heard of CT Scans finding anal cancer while other tests fail to find it?