Fissure

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Fran1
Fran1 Member Posts: 42
edited February 2020 in Anal Cancer #1

Hello Everyone. 

 

I have a question about fissures. I'm 4 yrs out from having Anal cancer.  A week ago, I went for my six month checkup with the colorectal doctor. He did the exam with all the various instruments as usual. The Dr stated he seen some changes, because, I now have a fissure and immediately scheduled a biopsy. The dr stated "I think it's only a fissure, but, I want to make sure." I'm scheduled for Feb. 24th, 2020. I'm not sure this is normal to have a biopsy, because of a fissure. The last few months have been stressful for me as my Dad had a stroke in December 2019. I have been driving back and forth (three hour drives) to take him to medical appts (my parents live three hours away from where I live) and at the same time taking care of my 2 yr. old granddaughter. I noticed, I slowed down on drinking water and therefore started having harder stools, which caused the fissure. I have returned to drinking lots of water for softer stools and started taking fiber. 

Has anyone on the anal canal forum had a biopsy, because of a fissure? Your feedback will be greatly appreciated.

 

Thank you. 

P.S.  I have read all the questions and answers pertaining to fissures on the Anal Canal discussion board. None pertain to my situation. 

Comments

  • Recovery14
    Recovery14 Member Posts: 12
    #2
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    Forgot to add that the sore,

    Forgot to add that the sore, or possibly fissure, bleeds when I have a BM and when I wipe. 

  • Recovery14
    Recovery14 Member Posts: 12
    #3
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    Hi! I am 5 years out, and

    Hi! I am 5 years out, and just had a biopsy last week on what I think is a fissure, but the colorectal surgeon didn't say that's what is was. It just felt like a sore to me that is painful all the time, and especially when I have a bowel movement. It also felt like a sore I had shortly after treatment that WAS identified as a fissure.  The doctor said she is 99.999.% certain that it is benign, but that she would do a biopsy for my piece of mind. So she did. At 4 years out, I had NED, but insurance would not pay for a scan at 5 years. I am moving from Houston, Texas to a small town in rural Arkansas for my retirement in March, and I just wanted some reassurance that I am going to be okay. Haven't gotten results yet. I hope things turn out good for you!

  • Fran1
    Fran1 Member Posts: 42
    #4
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    Recovery14 said:

    Hi! I am 5 years out, and

    Hi! I am 5 years out, and just had a biopsy last week on what I think is a fissure, but the colorectal surgeon didn't say that's what is was. It just felt like a sore to me that is painful all the time, and especially when I have a bowel movement. It also felt like a sore I had shortly after treatment that WAS identified as a fissure.  The doctor said she is 99.999.% certain that it is benign, but that she would do a biopsy for my piece of mind. So she did. At 4 years out, I had NED, but insurance would not pay for a scan at 5 years. I am moving from Houston, Texas to a small town in rural Arkansas for my retirement in March, and I just wanted some reassurance that I am going to be okay. Haven't gotten results yet. I hope things turn out good for you!

    Fissure - Thank you for responding

    Hi Recovery14,

     

    Thank you so much for responding. First, I want to say "I hope your biopsy returns a negative result and everything will be ok for you." Since, you had a biopsy, because of a fissure or sore, I'm going to do as the doctor suggests and have the biopsy. It's better to know for sure, than to be sorry later, if cancer is starting up again in that area. You have put my mind at ease, which I truly appreciate. 

    If you don't mind explaining, what is NED? I know the letters must be for a medical term.

     

     

     

  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    #5
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    Fran1 said:

    Fissure - Thank you for responding

    Hi Recovery14,

     

    Thank you so much for responding. First, I want to say "I hope your biopsy returns a negative result and everything will be ok for you." Since, you had a biopsy, because of a fissure or sore, I'm going to do as the doctor suggests and have the biopsy. It's better to know for sure, than to be sorry later, if cancer is starting up again in that area. You have put my mind at ease, which I truly appreciate. 

    If you don't mind explaining, what is NED? I know the letters must be for a medical term.

     

     

     

    Fran1 (Recovery14)...

    Hi,

    While I have not had to deal with fissures so can't offer much, I do want to send well wishes to you for good outcomes on your tests and quick healing to follow. I do not think that a biopsy is out of line in diagnosing as maybe some of the surrounding tissue seemed of concern to the doctor. Be happy that he (she) is being thorough I suppose! Anyhow...good luck.

    Also NED stands for No Evidence of Disease (usually means a good report)!!!

    katheryn

  • Recovery14
    Recovery14 Member Posts: 12
    #6
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    Thanks Fran1 and katheryn! I

    Thanks Fran1 and katheryn! I just found out that my "sore" is a condyloma, or genital wart. She said it was benign, and to follow up in a year. She made it sound like it is no big deal, but I haven't been sexually active in a very long time, so it makes me wonder. I read that it is caused by the HPV virus, which my oncologist suspected caused my anal cancer. Anyway, I am happy it is benign,  but would rather NOT have it on my behind. Lol. Looking forward to hearing your behind is benign, too!

  • Fran1
    Fran1 Member Posts: 42
    #7
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    eihtak said:

    Fran1 (Recovery14)...

    Hi,

    While I have not had to deal with fissures so can't offer much, I do want to send well wishes to you for good outcomes on your tests and quick healing to follow. I do not think that a biopsy is out of line in diagnosing as maybe some of the surrounding tissue seemed of concern to the doctor. Be happy that he (she) is being thorough I suppose! Anyhow...good luck.

    Also NED stands for No Evidence of Disease (usually means a good report)!!!

    katheryn

    Thank You

    Hi Katheryn,

     

    Thank you for the encouraging words and, for explaining NED. It really means a lot that you responded to my message. Wishing you a wonderful day.

     

     

  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    #8
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    Recovery14 said:

    Thanks Fran1 and katheryn! I

    Thanks Fran1 and katheryn! I just found out that my "sore" is a condyloma, or genital wart. She said it was benign, and to follow up in a year. She made it sound like it is no big deal, but I haven't been sexually active in a very long time, so it makes me wonder. I read that it is caused by the HPV virus, which my oncologist suspected caused my anal cancer. Anyway, I am happy it is benign,  but would rather NOT have it on my behind. Lol. Looking forward to hearing your behind is benign, too!

    Hi,

    I'm glad to hear you have received an answer and that it was found to be benign. However, though it may not be a "big" deal it is more than I myself would be comfortable waiting for a year to follow-up on. 

    The HPV virus (which yes, is responsible for the majority of anal cancers) can lay dormant for years before becoming active again. It is my understanding that the combo of chemo/radiation that most of us have received should knock the chance of recurrance way down, but NOT out completely.

    I was initially dx 9 years ago, but at 4 years post treatment did have a recurrance. Mine was not local but rather metastasized to my lung and then again another met in my airway a couple years after that! It is quite likely that you will never ever have an issue again, but it may be wise to error on the side of caution and follow up at 3-6 months rather than waiting a year. (Just my cautious opinion) Smile

    Anyhow...celebrate your good news today!!

    katheryn

  • Recovery14
    Recovery14 Member Posts: 12
    #9
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    katheryn, thank you for your

    katheryn, thank you for your reply. Yeah, it is not a "big deal" to the doctor, but it IS a big deal to me. I think that I will follow your advice and go back sooner than a year. The doctor actually said that i don't need to come back at all for a check up ever, "unless you're having problems." Well, it really hurts, and the fact that I didn't have a 5 year scan, really concerns me. Again, I really appreciate your input. Thank.you.

  • Fran1
    Fran1 Member Posts: 42
    edited February 2020 #10
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    Recovery14 said:

    Thanks Fran1 and katheryn! I

    Thanks Fran1 and katheryn! I just found out that my "sore" is a condyloma, or genital wart. She said it was benign, and to follow up in a year. She made it sound like it is no big deal, but I haven't been sexually active in a very long time, so it makes me wonder. I read that it is caused by the HPV virus, which my oncologist suspected caused my anal cancer. Anyway, I am happy it is benign,  but would rather NOT have it on my behind. Lol. Looking forward to hearing your behind is benign, too!

    Hi Recovery14,

    Hi Recovery14,

     

    Congratulations! I'm very happy your test returned negative results. Now, you can retire in March with ease. I did read most anal cancer is from HPV. My granddaughter, who is 12 yrs. old was given the HPV vaccinaction, this year. I'm so glad her Mom decided to have her vaccinated.  I'm praying my biopsy also comes back negative. I will post again when I get the results, which will be on March 5th. Until then, stay healthy and happy. 


    Sincerely, 

    Fran 

     

  • Recovery14
    Recovery14 Member Posts: 12
    #11
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    Fran1 said:

    Hi Recovery14,

    Hi Recovery14,

     

    Congratulations! I'm very happy your test returned negative results. Now, you can retire in March with ease. I did read most anal cancer is from HPV. My granddaughter, who is 12 yrs. old was given the HPV vaccinaction, this year. I'm so glad her Mom decided to have her vaccinated.  I'm praying my biopsy also comes back negative. I will post again when I get the results, which will be on March 5th. Until then, stay healthy and happy. 


    Sincerely, 

    Fran 

     

    Thank you, Fran! I am anxious

    Thank you, Fran! I am anxious to hear your results, too. I will be thinking of you.

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