This cancer affects the anus and is caused by abnormal cells in the body. These cells grow uncontrollably and develop into tumors. In advanced stages, these cancerous cells can spread to other parts of the body and interfere with normal functions. Although anal cancer is rarely life-threatening, there are certain signs and symptoms that you should look for to find out whether you have the disease.
Fortunately, treatment for anal cancer is usually successful. While there are no guaranteed treatments for anal cancer, doctors can give you a good prognosis based on the type and size of your tumour and the results of tests and scans. Depending on the stage of your disease, your treatment options will depend on the type of the cancer and its location. Despite the risks of anal neoplasm, most cancers that affect the anal area have good prognosis.
Some types of anal cancer are internal, so you can’t feel it without a doctor’s examination. However, if your tumour is external, you’ll probably notice the symptoms sooner. Unlike hemorrhoids, which feel like soft scars, anal cancer feels hard like a pebble or frozen pea. For patients who don’t want to undergo surgery, chemoradiation may be an alternative.
The most common form of treatment for anal cancer is chemotherapy. This treatment is called chemoradiation. It can be given externally or internally. This treatment is the most common form of anal cancer treatment and doesn’t involve hospitalisation. The process is known as “radiation therapy” and it does not require a lengthy hospital stay. The best part is that it doesn’t require an inpatient stay.
Anal cancer is rare, but it can be treated. Anal cancer can be treated in a number of ways, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. The most common treatment is abdomino-perineal resection, which involves removing the anus and a part of the colon. The tumours removed in this procedure have spread to nearby organs. The resulting stoma is permanent, and a nurse will help the patient live with the colostomy.
Treatment for anal cancer will depend on the type of cancer. Its stage depends on the size of the tumour and its location. For stage I, it must be smaller than two centimetres (cm) in diameter. In stage II, it must be larger than two centimetres in diameter. If it is larger, it is considered a stage III tumour, which may have spread to nearby organs and lymph nodes.
Patients suffering from anal cancer may experience a variety of symptoms. A change in bowel habits may include diarrhea or constipation, blood in the stool, or a small lump. While these symptoms are not indicative of anal cancer, they should be evaluated by a doctor and may indicate the presence of anal cancer. In addition to the above, there are other anal cancer symptom categories that you should be aware of.