###Human: Do my symptoms mean cancer? ###Assistant: Hi. Your symptoms of constipation associated with pricking pain and itching in the anal area as well as blood in stools lead to a unified diagnosis of anal fissure. An anal fissure is a small tear or crack in the lining of the anus. It may occur when passing large or hard stools or experiencing bouts of diarrhea. It can cause sharp pain and bleeding during and after bowel movements. It may also cause itching and burning in the anal area. It is usually a minor condition that goes away within six weeks. Its symptoms include a visible tear in the skin around the anus, a skin tag or a small lump of skin next to the tear, pain in the anal area during bowel movements, streaks of blood on stools or after wiping and burning or itching in the anal area. Please do not panic and get anxious. Colorectal carcinomas occur in later ages. Do you have any family history of the same or any polyps or any gastrointestinal complaints? In malignancy the symptoms are continuous and not episodic as in your case. Also, it will not subside by their own or respond to the treatment prescribed to you. In carcinomas, it is usually associated with iron deficiency anemia, weight loss, maroon colored and narrow stools. Still, if you have any iota of doubt, then go to your treating doctor and get your anal fissure re-examined. As per my view, you do not need any colonoscopy unless you have any positive family history or the above mentioned symptoms. For further information consult an internal medicine physician online -->