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Is A Lump In The Anus A Sign Of Anal Cancer?

Posted on Thu, 20 Apr 2017

Question: I'm a 36 year old male. While showering I noticed a small bead like lump just inside my anus against the back wall of anus. It's a bit smaller than a pea and it moves around a little bit. It's fairly hard. I plan on seeing my doctor within a few weeks but it's terrifying me that it's something serious like cancer. What are your thoughts?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
No need to worry

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome.

You should not worry since cancer is the last thing to think of especially in your age. Anal cancer is rare,and would have other signs. This is most likely to be thrombosed internal hemorrhoid or polyp and these are benign issues. You can do proctologic exam and then it can be removed surgically if necessary.

Wish you good health.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (29 minutes later)

Thank you for your answer. I'll have my doctor check it out, regardless, but your answer puts my at ease, a bit. I am a hypochondraic so every little thing gives me great anxiety.
I should add that a few years ago I had severe rectal pain. No bleeding or lump and a proctologist examined me and found nothing. Even went to the emergency room and the doctor diagnosed Proctalgia fugax (anal cold). I got antibiotics and it went away in a few weeks. Almost a year later, exactly, it came back but after a few days I was getting off the couch and felt a slight "popping" sensation. I felt something down there and wiped with toilet paper and there was a clear "gooey" and viscous like discharge. After that the pain was almost completely gone. MY QUESTION IS: could this lump have something to do with that? Like some sort of cyst or pimple?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (29 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No, not likely

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back,

Well, this is too long period so I don't think these are related. It may be cyst, abscess, fistula or polyp. It's hard to say exactly without a detailed examination.

Also, STD may be considered if you have any recent history of intercourse. In every case, it's not likely that anything will happen if you wait a bit and see if new symptoms will come. I won't recommend antibiotics at this point.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee