The word cancer still scares the living daylight out of us due to its unpredictability. Anal cancer is even more uncommon and hence has a lot of myths related to it. This type of cancer is more commonly observed among women.
Also, since there are no specific early symptoms, this makes the treatment even more troublesome. Is there any sign that makes anal cancer distinguishable from other rectum diseases? There are a few. Read on to note the six unusual signs of anal cancer:
Formation of Lumps
We don’t pay heed to lumps because we think it is nothing serious. However, that is a very wrong idea. Lumps can actually be one of the early signs of cancer. If the lump remains for more than two days, it may not be a skin problem like rashes or warts. So, it would be best to visit the doctor as a precautionary measure.
Anal Bleeding
Anal bleeding is not all too uncommon and may not strike you as something remotely related to cancer. Sometimes it is difficult to figure out which area is bleeding. Is it the anus, colon, or the rectum? In the case of bleeding from your anus, the color of the blood is bright red. It is usually easy to identify.
Uncontrollable Bowel Movements
Do not freak out. Yes, this can sound scary but a loss of control over your bowel movement can be a sign of anal cancer. A minor change in bowel movement usually leads to either diarrhea or constipation but you must see a doctor if you cannot control the movement.
Unusual Discharge
If there is any discharge from the anus, like mucus, you should immediately visit a doctor. Yes, it may be the result of a bacterial infection or even fissures. But it does not hurt to take preventive measures. The discharge will be yellowish and have a jelly-like texture.
Swelling And Itchiness
If your anal area appears to swell in a weird manner, it could be a sign of anal cancer. It might get extremely itchy but make sure you do not touch it as it might accidentally rupture. Trying to scratch the area will make it more painful.
Abscess Formation
An abscess is a lump full of puss and such a clog near the anus can lead to cancer. This condition can lead to extreme pain and high fever.
If you see any of these signs, you must go for a checkup.
