HPV and cancers - anyone in the know?

[anonbum]

Nc for this as embarrassing but MN can verify I’m a long term poster.

I had my routine smear about 2 years ago and it came back as negative for HPV so no further follow up.

Aside from this I’ve been having bum issues for bloody years. I had a colonoscopy in 2019 and I’ve seen my GP since then who diagnosed piles. These have also left some unsightly skin tags and the whole area is a mess. Recently I’ve noticed a new lump in the area that feels a bit firmer than the others and my health anxiety is going wild telling me it’s probably anal cancer or something terrible. I have had bleeding and on/off manageable pain and irritation for years and have just dealt with it using creams and suppositories. I don’t want to go back to the GP firstly because it’s embarrassing and secondly because I don’t see what more they can do after a clear colonoscopy and visual examination of my arse!

I’ve been looking into it myself and it says that HPV accounts for more than 90% of anal cancer cases so with this in mind, would it stand to reason this is probably just more pile related misery rather than something sinister given my clear smear?

I know MN is not a doctor service and of course if things get worse I will go back to the GP but just looking for advice from anyone who might have experience of this in the meantime.

You need to go back to the GP. Not because I think you have cancer, or HPV, but because it's been a long time since your colonoscopy and you shouldn't be having to cope with these symptoms. The GP can do a non-invasive fecal calprotectin test, which would show if you have inflammation in your bowel. They could give you a treatment that actually works. They could also check out your new lump and either reassure you and treat it, or suggest that you get it checked more formally.

Please don't let your anxiety stop you from getting effective treatment. I've had miserable IBD in the past. Once I had decent treatment it put me into remission and I haven't had a flare since.

I don’t suffer with IBS symptoms particularly. I have done in the past and I think that’s what made the piles worse but it was mostly anxiety related and now that’s under control that side of things is much better. It’s literally what it’s left behind.

The GP just prescribes creams and suppositories and sends me on my way. Mostly I can manage it and it doesn’t interfere with daily life. I get a bit of bleeding and itching sometimes but it’s more the worry that’s it could be something sinister.

Bump

I would go to my GP, if you feel the usual one is a but dismissive ask to see another GP.
It's more than likely fine but it's definitely worth getting checked out.
No one here can say what it is, I'm sorry you are so anxious, your imagination is probably making it worse than it is, I'm also a great overthinker! Go to GP to get checked out