This really sucks

Can someone please help me make sense of this? I’d really appreciate some insight.
I feel pretty awkward even bringing this up, and I’m not sure if there’s already a thread about this, though I doubt it.
The skin around my anus (it's honestly embarrassing...😢 ) has become extremely swollen. There's this one specific lump that feels like a painful little sac when I touch it. I have no idea what it could be, and I'm honestly terrified it might be something serious like cancer.😢
Why am I leaning away from the idea of hemorrhoids?
Well, I’m only 18, and I haven't noticed any blood in my stool.
The only thing I can think of is that I spend a huge amount of time sitting down.
So, yeah, if anyone has any ideas, please let me know.
Thanks. 😢

Look, regardless of any blood in your stool, my boyfriend dealt with hemorrhoids too—it’s a classic situation, just like yours...
I went through something pretty similar a few years back. One of those veins just flared up on me, so I ended up grabbing some ointment and started being way more careful about my diet...
If it really is just hemorrhoids, you can pick up an over-the-counter cream at CVS, take warm baths, and just tough it out for a bit...
But seriously, go see a doctor just to be safe.

Look, you don't necessarily need to see blood in your stool, and honestly, age doesn't even matter much here
It’s super likely it's just hemorrhoids, especially if you spend most of your day stuck in an office chair
Those things usually clear up on their own after a few days, I guess, but you should definitely go see a doctor just to be safe

Look, my advice is to go see a doctor, but I’m also pretty sure you’re dealing with hemorrhoids, which can be absolutely brutal. A warm sitz bath and some plain lard might actually help.

brighttinker36 said:Can someone please tell me what they think is going on here?
I feel super awkward even bringing this up—and I'm not sure if there's already a thread about this, though I doubt it.
The outside area down there (this is so embarrassing...😢 ) has gotten really swollen. There's this one specific lump that feels like a painful little sac when you touch it. I have no idea what it is... I'm honestly terrified it might be cancer.😢
Why do I don't think it's just hemorrhoids?
Well, I'm only 18 and there hasn't been any blood in my stool.
The only thing I know for sure is that I spend a ton of time sitting down.
Anyway, if anyone can help me out, please.
Thanks 😢

Go see a proctologist.

go see a doctor🙂

There's a massive thread on Hemorrhoids Down Under if you want to go deep... just scroll through it.👍