Anal cancer

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I have been told I have abnormal cells following an initial biopsy during colonoscopy. The tumour is 3cm. I am now awaiting a larger biopsy and hopefully have tumour removed.  From first MRI taken it appears to not have spread to lymph nodes but the CT scan led to a question over something on my liver. Now awaiting the results of second mri scan on liver. Has anyone had a similar experience? Can’t help but worry.

  • Hello Vicwill,

     I am sorry that your colonoscopy and MRI have shown a tumour. That is very upsetting news for you.

    Welcome to the forum and I hope that we can give you some support. Is your tumour anal or rectal? For most of us here we had or are having treatment for anal cancer, usually in the form of a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy which is very effective.

     I had some lymph node involvement but in answer to your question my MRI also showed some abnormalities on the liver. These turned out to be cysts thankfully, which are apparently very common and I was told that I’d probably had them since birth.

     I hope you get the results of your second MRI soon and everything crossed that it’s a good result. Waiting to hear must be extremely stressful on top of everything.

    Everything crossed for you and very best wishes x

  • Thanks for your response. The consultant described it as anal cancer. Did you need further investigation on your liver other than the mri?

  • Hi Vicwil,

    They didn’t do any further investigations of my liver other than the scans. They seemed satisfied that these are cysts although I’m not absolutely sure how they determine this other than comparing with previous scans. I remember being so worried about it, then they just reassured me not to worry! I’m sorry that I can’t be more specific and helpful. 

    There may be others on here who can share experience. Everyone on the forum is helpful. X

  • Hello Vicwil

    Welcome to the forum although I am really sorry to hear of your diagnosis and also this additional worry that you have hanging over you.  As PEB24 has pointed out, very often the MRI scan will show something spots, or nodules that have always been there, and I very much hope that this is the case for you. 

    That doesn't diminish in any way what you are going through, from the initial diagnosis to treatment actually starting is a rollercoaster of scans, biopsies and investigations.  Behind the scenes all the results and being gathered and discussed at the weekly MDT (multi-disciplinary team) meeting to devise your individual treatment plan.  But that particular part of the process, the whirl of appointments and investigations, I found terrifying and was so relieved when treatment started.

    So I will be keeping everything crossed that your MRI scan is good news.  Please let us know how you get on.

    Big hug

    Irene xx