The Colon Club

This morning I discovered a small firm lump while adjusting the position of my tampon. Thinking that is where the issue originated I immediately called my GYN and was seen within 30 minutes. She felt the bump and wanted to see if she could locate it’s origin. She performed a DRE and did feel something firm and abnormal, but couldn’t say what it was. I immediately go into panic mode. I have had intermittent rectal bleeding and was told by GP it was hemorrhoids and told to increase fiber. I did and bleeding went away. I’ve also noticed a groove going down the length of my stool these past months and chalked it up to an inflamed hemorrhoid. I was immediately referred to a colorectal surgeon for further evaluation. I’m terrified that I could have a rectal tumor. I just turned 31 years old and I’m looking for some advice and guidance here. My appointment is tomorrow morning and I’m absolutely scared to death that I have cancer.

Sorry to read that you are not feeling well. Most people here advise to get a colostomy to confirm what is going on inside. If it is something they can deal with on the spot they will, if not they will do a biopsy to see what is going on to come up with a treatment plan.

Lastly, even if things are ok, the best way to know is to have the colonoscopy. Evidence matters in the proper diagnosis of what is going on with you.
I wish you luck in uncovering the good and bad and moving toward a successful solution.
Good Luck!
WS

"Most people here advise to get a colostomy to confirm"

WarriorSpouse obviously meant colonoscopy here. That really is the best way to confirm it.

If it is suspicious, then they can do a biopsy and send it out to a pathology lab to determine whether or not it's cancerous.

I'm sorry you're going through this and hope you will be able to get a colonoscopy soon!*hugs*

Hello all,

It’s been a few months now and I’m really not satisfied. I’m probably a hypochondriac and my anxiety has been off the charts. I did see a colorectal surgeon and a DRE did show a lump and he was able to do a flexible sigmoidoscopy right then and there. The mucosa looked completely normal and nothing protruding into the bowel was seen so there wasn’t anything to biopsy. Because it was odd he sent me for a pelvic MRI with contrast. The mri report showed sigmoid diverticulosis and no “solid or cystic mass observed corresponding to the one felt”. Basically I have pockets in my colon and no mass. I still don’t understand what it was that may have been felt. The doctor did mention the possibility of endometriosis which would be honestly an ideal case scenario for me. My bleeding was chalked up to the numerous internal hemorrhoids and recurring anal fissure. I’m still worried I have cancer since the groove in my stool is still there.

How are you doing? I have groove/indent on my stools too! Any updates?

GroovyGal702 wrote:Hello all,

It’s been a few months now and I’m really not satisfied. I’m probably a hypochondriac and my anxiety has been off the charts. I did see a colorectal surgeon and a DRE did show a lump and he was able to do a flexible sigmoidoscopy right then and there. The mucosa looked completely normal and nothing protruding into the bowel was seen so there wasn’t anything to biopsy. Because it was odd he sent me for a pelvic MRI with contrast. The mri report showed sigmoid diverticulosis and no “solid or cystic mass observed corresponding to the one felt”. Basically I have pockets in my colon and no mass. I still don’t understand what it was that may have been felt. The doctor did mention the possibility of endometriosis which would be honestly an ideal case scenario for me. My bleeding was chalked up to the numerous internal hemorrhoids and recurring anal fissure. I’m still worried I have cancer since the groove in my stool is still there.

Have you done any blood test for CEA level?

Nate.