cancergrl's Cancer Blog
December 12, 2009
I see so many of everyones symptoms where bleeding is a constant one. As I sit here and read, and find comfort in everyone’s blogs, I wonder…is it very probable to have anal cancer with no bleeding symptom? And what does hellip stand for? That is listed on many symptoms as well, but I have no idea what that is??
Maybe I’m a hypochondriac or close to it. I just have this “feeling” all isn’t right. Every have that or is it just me? Maybe its because I have no insurance that I am so worried ? I don’t know. Guess I’m ramblilng. Peace and love to all tonight. sleep well
dottie
Hi Dottie—
I was diagnosed with anal cancer in June 2008 and had bleeding only for a short time prior to that. However, I really believe that my tumor had been there for quite some time because of other symptoms I had, which I did not connect to possible cancer. I will list below all the symptoms I had.
1) Chronic constipation
2) Bloating and abdominal cramping
3) A feeling of never being completely emptied out, even after a BM
4) Mucous discharge with BM’s
5) Bleeding that did not occur until I had had the above symptoms for quite some time.
So, in answer to your question, I think it’s quite possible to have anal cancer without bleeding. Even when a person goes to the doctor for rectal bleeding, they are often diagnosed incorrectly with bleeding hemorrhoids, such as in my case. I certainly hope you will continue to pursue your options in getting checked for this disease for your own peace of mind. Please let us know what you find out.
Martha
Posted on Dear Dottie,
Yes it is possible. If I were you I would call around and find a colon rectal surgeon who will examine you with an anascope..you do not need a colonoscopy to be diagnosed..in fact these cancers are sometimes missed with a colonscopy as the doctors are so “hell bent on gettting to the colon” they sometimes miss the few inches that are the anus.
Tell the Dr. you want to pay cash..ask if they will give you a break on this…it is a non-invasive exam and is only very slightly uncomfortable(and I am the biggest sissy on the planet and even more so now!) Tell him your concerns and he can examine you. It would be ideal to get an anal pap but hard to find Dr’s who do this..also even if you have high risk HPV that does NOT mean you will devlop anal cancer anyway.
The exam will be the only way your mind will be put to rest. It is an uncommon cancer so you probably do not have it but if you are concerend you should explore this. BEst of luck, Lori in AZ
Posted on thank you girls. i will start calling on Monday to see what it costs. I do have a colorectal surgeon already who performed my hem dealie. good idea. thank you!
Posted on Dotti,
I did not bleed at all. I was very constipated and my stools were the shape of small cigars.
If your stools have changed, find out which hospital in your area does cancer screening for low income or no insurance families.
Posted on Welcome to the group. Love your profile pic. Did you make that quilt?
Posted on thank you for all the replies everyone. I really appreciate it! you guys are the best!
I wish I did make the quilt you see in my profile pic, but I did not. I like it too though! Thank you! God bless everyone and have a great evening!
Dottie
Yes Dottie,the girls are right. I had all the same symptoms as martha except no bleeding at all and thin stools only close to the time i was diagnoised. I had the feeling 8 years earlier that something was wrong and no one would take my word for it. After treatment I asked the docs how old they thought my cancer was, they said 8 years. As women, our intuition is one of our strongest assests.. make sure you get an anascope as suggested earlier.
meanwhile, happy holidays,
love, Nova
Posted on As soon as I can get some kind of medical insurance, I am going back to my colorectal surgeon to ask about anascopy. I want to quit worrying about this. Thank you again ladies, for everything. I will keep in touch.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays to everyone! God Bless.
Dottie
Thanks for your support - 
