In some cases, anal cancer does not have any symptoms. A patient who is diagnosed with anal carcinoma will have no symptoms. Fortunately, most people who develop this type of cancer will have no symptoms at all.
Anal cancer symptoms include pain and bleeding during bowel movements. The anus is also prone to infection, which is why treatment is crucial. However, if the symptoms persist even after treatment, there are still options available. One of these options is chemotherapy, which is an effective form of treatment. It is a safe, quick way to relieve the symptoms. Anal cancer symptoms will also include changes in bowel movements, lump or scaly discharge.
The stage of the cancer is crucial in the treatment plan. The stage is a measure of how far the cancer has spread. The tumour must be two centimetres in diameter in order for it to be diagnosed as stage I. A tumour of more than two centimetres in size is called stage II. A patient in stage IIIA has cancer that has spread to lymph nodes in the rectum and nearby organs. Anal cancer may also have spread to bones, which is called stage IV.
The symptoms of anal cancer are very similar to those of colorectal cancer. While colorectal cancer is found in the colon, anal cancer develops in the anus and the sphincter muscles. During this stage, the tumor may be a few centimetres in size and may be in the anus. Anal cancer often has no symptoms, so it is important to seek a medical consultation.
In addition to pain and bleeding during bowel movements, patients may experience swelling in the anus or change in bowel movements. While the condition may not be life-threatening, symptoms of anal cancer may warrant an examination by a doctor. If there are no signs of swelling, but the anus is enlarged, the symptoms of anal cancer should be diagnosed. Anal cancer can lead to other conditions that may be less serious.
The symptoms of anal cancer are quite similar to those of other types of cancer. The size and location of the cancer will determine the treatment. In stage I, the tumour is less than two centimetres in diameter. In stage II, the tumour is larger than 2cm. In stage IIIB, the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes near the anus and to other parts of the body. The symptoms of anal disease will include a lump and bleeding during bowel movements.
Anal cancer can spread to other parts of the body. If it has spread to other parts of the body, treatment will depend on its stage. A tumour with two centimetres or less is stage I. A tumour with two centimetres and more than two centimetres is considered stage II. In stage IIIB, the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes near the rectum and distant organs.