What Does Anal Cancer Look Like

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Anal Cancer, HIV and Gay/Bisexual Men

In the general population, anal cancer is a rare disease. Few people knew about it before Farrah Fawcett made public her struggle with the illness. Among men who have sex with men (MSM), and especially HIV-positive MSM, the incidence of anal cancer is significantly more prevalent and increasing annually. 1 However, the majority of gay and bisexual men know little about the disease, have never been tested for it, nor know that screening tests...

Ask the Experts

What are the warning signs of anal cancer?

Hi Dr. Bruce, Could you tell me, what would be some warning signs of anal cancer? I occasionally have a little blood in my stools. What would you advise? Thank you,Concerned...

Response from Bruce Dezube, M.D.

Harvard Medical School

Anal cancer can indeed present at change in bowel habit; blood in stool, pain with bowel movements, lump or bump in the area, and so on. Most anal cancers in HIV'ers are related to the human papillomavirus (HPV); HPV causes anal warts. Many... Read more »

Does it sound like anal cancer?

I have been having soft yellow stools lately and my rectum feels strange when i contract it. also the place between my scrotum and rectum feels strange. does this sound like cancer. my stomach does not have any pain and as far as i can tell there is...

Response from Bruce Dezube, M.D.

Harvard Medical School

There's obviously no way for me to know from your query whether or not you have anal cancer. However, any change in your stool should be checked out. The first step would be see your primary care provider. Further steps will depend upon what... Read more »

Preventive/screening for anal cancer

Is there any current preventive/screening for Anal cancer such as a PAP smear for cervical CA ? If so can you provide me with details. Thank you very much. Great site !!!!...

Response from Bruce Dezube, M.D.

Harvard Medical School

I recommend an anal PAP smear for all the gay men in my practice whether or not they are HIV positive. An anal PAP smear is a very simple thing to do. A swab is inserted into the butt and rubbed along the wall lining. The cells which go on to the... Read more »

Do you think I have anal cancer?

I have been positive for ten years. Five years ago I found something near my rectum. I asked my family doctor, but he said he didn't know what was it. It is hard and the size of a pencil. It is under the skin. I can feel it with my finger. My...

Response from Bruce Dezube, M.D.

Harvard Medical School

It's obviously quite difficult for me to tell you what you have based on your description. You mention that you've had it for 5 years. If this is the case, it would be highly unlikely for anal cancer to just sit there for 5 years and not... Read more »

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Anal cancer

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

I tested positive 14 years ago, and have had several AIDS complications. But this is my most recent cause for alarm:
My rectal surgeon has been monitoring and burning off my anal warts for the past 2 years. Recently, we decided one recurring spot... Read more »

Anal wart surgery

Posted by Anonymous, 8 Replies

I am about to have surgery for anal warts that I have in my anal canal. I was wondering if anyone else has had the outpatient surgery and tell me wht it's like post-op. when will I be able to go back to work? How long am I likey to be in discomfort? Read more »

anal fingering

Posted by seagull, 1 Reply

10 weeks ago, during a mutual masturbation episode with a woman of uknown serostatus, she placed her finger in my rectum with lubricant several times. Later I wondered whether I was at risk. I can't remember any obvious blood on her fingers( but... Read more »

surgery for anal warts

Posted by bakcake, 3 Replies

I am facing anal wart surgery in a week. i would like to know what happens step by step during the surgery Read more »

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