Can a Lump on the Perineum Be a Sign of Cancer, and What Are the Warning Signs to Look For?

A lump on the perineum, the area between the vagina and anus for females, is most often benign (not cancer) and can be caused by conditions like cysts or infections. However, in rare cases, a lump could be a sign of cancer. Some perineal cancers or aggressive tumors, like aggressive angiomyxoma, may show up as a mass in this area. Warning signs that suggest you should talk with your healthcare provider include: if the lump grows in size over time, changes shape, or its skin changes color; if it becomes very painful or starts to bleed; or if the lump does not heal over a period of time. Other signs like discharge or noticeable ulcers around the lump could also be concerning. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and may recommend imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or MRI, to get a closer look at the lump. If needed, they might do a biopsy, where a small piece of tissue is taken, to check if cancer cells are present. Early evaluation helps ensure that any serious condition is caught and treated promptly.