Not sure if I am in the "right" section here, so hopefully my message will get rerouted if not. I recently got a mild dysplasia diagnosis (based on biopsy results). Scheduled for LEEP in a few weeks. My concern is that I had been having some extremely mild rectal bleeding over the last 3 weeks. Literally, a few times. I've seen a gastroenterologist (for diverticulosis; had colonoscopy 8 months ago). He prescribed some suppositories, and I have to call him tomorrow to tell him how I'm doing. What I did not realize, after reading on this site, was that there might be a connection between HPV and anal cancer (so I obviously did not tell him about the mild dysplasia, etc.). Is this something to be majorly worried about? I will obviously bring it up tomorrow but what else should I be asking him? Many thanks for any info anyone can provide; the worrying is dreadful. I don't want to worry any more than necessary but I also want to make sure I'm asking for the right thing, based on other's experiences. Thank you!!!
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New Member/Mild Dysplasia/Anal Pap Needed?
- By mabelc
- Posted July 5, 2009 at 2:10 pm · 6 replies
- In Other HPV related cancers
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- By mommy2four
- Posted July 5, 2009 at 4:23 pm
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Hi mabelc - I do not know as many of the facts as other women here, but I would suggest finding a doctor who can do an anal pap/test for HPV. I tested positive for HPV and will ask at my next appointment about an anal pap to make sure things do not spread & if they do make sure I catch it early. I wish you the best - keep us updated please:)
- By mp327
- Posted July 6, 2009 at 9:12 am
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MabelC--
You definitely need to make sure your gastro doc knows about your upcoming LEEP and gyno problems, as well as the rectal bleeding. If your colonoscopy was normal 8 months ago, that's great. However, keep in mind that colonoscopy does not check the anal area. You may need to be anoscoped so the anal area can be visually examined. Are you having any other symptoms besides the bleeding, such as abdominal bloating, thin stools, cramping, rectal mucous discharge, painful BM's or a feeling of never being completely emptied out even after a BM? I was dx'd with anal cancer in June 2008 and I experienced all of the above symptoms, but did not seek medical care until I had bleeding, as I really didn't think the other things were significant. If you have any one of these, you really need to be examined. I think you'll find that most doctors do not do anal paps yet, but you still need to ask about it AND anoscopy. Good luck with your phone call tomorrow. If this doctor is worth anything, I think he'll be scheduling you for an appt.
Martha
- By Bymyside247
- Posted July 6, 2009 at 3:18 pm
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Mabelc: Well, I think you need to take precautions but I don't think you need to "worry" per-say; although, trust me, I know that is easier said than done :o) What mp327 said is correct; an anoscopy is what needs to be performed to take a look thoroughly into the anal canal. I go in on Wednesday for a colonoscopy and an endoscopy but I want to talk to him about an anoscopy as well; although I do not have dysplasia, I do have HPV and precautions need to be taken.
mp327: I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis. How are you doing today? Was your anal cancer dx'd early? One more question if you do not mind. I read about people discussing anal discharge....how do you know if you are having this? I mean, is it something obvious or could it be mistaken for sweat? Or is it something apparent on your panties? I pray that you do not find my questions too personal or prying, as I mean not to be offensive, only educated.
Many happy days to all :o)
- By mp327
- Posted July 6, 2009 at 4:09 pm
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Bymyside247--
Thank you for asking about me. I am currently doing very well and just ran a 10K race last Saturday! My cancer was dx'd at stage I, luckily, and I underwent 6 weeks of chemo/radiation tx, which ended on 9/9/08. Treatment was very brutal and I was in a great deal of pain towards the end. Since then, I have made steady improvements with all the side effects, such as diarrhea and fatigue. As for anal discharge, it was very obvious during a bowel movement. Without being too gross, it was your typical slimy mucous-type discharge--not normal during a BM. That, along with the other symptoms I was having, did not alarm me because I didn't know anything about anal cancer. Now I know different! I am happy that I bled, because that got my attention and probably saved my life. My internist told me it was a bleeding hemorrhoid, but referred me to a colorectal doc for an overdue colonoscopy and that is the doctor who dx'd me with anal cancer upon doing anoscope, even before the colonoscopy. She was certain, even before the biopsy results came back, that I had cancer.
I wish you the best with your scopes on Wednesday, and I do hope you will ask about anoscopy and if you have symptoms which would indicate the need for one. Take care and let me know what you find out.
Martha
- By Dragonfly23
- Posted July 6, 2009 at 7:22 pm
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MabelC, You did not mention a positive HPV test. Mild dysplasia can be caused by other things than HPV in which case a LEEP would be a bit drastic so while I don't like to assume, I would be lead to believe that you have had a positive HPV test at some point.
Dealing with a recurrent anal cancer and having to undergo radiation and chemo yet again (previously in 1991) what Martha said is correct, an anoscopy, not colonoscopy is what is needed. All too often colorectal doctors presume its a hemorrhoid. I had this happen as well. In addition, it is almost impossible to find a doc who will perform an anal pap. I have helped someone else on this site obtain an anal pap but only because she lives within the same state. Also, the HPV test typically done for cervical Paps is not approved by the FDA for use in anal Paps so other types of lab tests need to be run on anal paps which only complicates the issue.
Many doctors will still insist, incorreclty so, that HPV is not related to anal cancer. Yes it is, and responsible for 90 to 99% of anal cancers. Some will also minimize the risk as low however anal cancer has been on the rise and while the numbers are still lower than for other HPV related cancers, when you're on the bad side of the numbers, the statistics don't mean much. In my opinion, if your doc responds with either of the above, I'd find another doctor. It's also important to give your full medical history to any new physician that you see for just the type of situation you mentioned in your original post. Some suppositories are composed of steroids, which in the case of HPV is not what you want to be putting anywhere near an HPV lesion as this can enhance progression by suppressing the immune system.
Sorry this post was not in time for your appointment but hopefully you will keep us posted on just how your appointment went.
- By larsmonty
- Posted July 10, 2009 at 1:29 pm
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i asked a doctor when I get std tested for anal pap and they said no they don't do it and they have no idea who would. This is in Ireland. Some doctors definitely don;t know everything in my opinion. Use your own mind I say.
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