The anus is a small opening in the bottom of the intestines. Although most people are not aware of their risk of developing this disease, the anus is highly visible and can be easily examined by a physician during routine examinations. It’s important to seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the symptoms described below.
The main symptom of anal cancer is bleeding during bowel movements. However, anal cancer often doesn’t spread to other organs. Only 15% to 30% of people who have anal cancer will develop it spread to lymph nodes. Proton therapy is a promising treatment for anal cancer. It is a minimally invasive procedure and may be performed on a small patient. In addition to local pain and bleeding, anal cancer patients may also experience changes in bowel movements.
During the first few weeks after a diagnosis, symptoms of anal cancer will likely be less severe than those of other types. Early detection of the disease is the best defense against anal cancer. If it’s detected early, surgery may be an option. Anal surgery can remove the cancer and any surrounding tissues without compromising the muscles necessary for bowel control. In addition, chemotherapy and radiation therapy can be used to help treat anal cancer and prevent recurrence.
Anal cancer can be internal or external. Unlike hemorrhoids, anal cancer cannot be felt unless it is medically examined. The symptoms are more noticeable if the tumors are on the outside. Anal cancer is much harder than hemorrhoids, which feel like soft scars. It feels more like a frozen pea or a pebble. Anal cancer is very rare and the chances of dying from it are low.
Anal cancer is usually diagnosed with ultrasound of the anus. MRI is a valuable tool to monitor the size and extent of the tumour and its spread to other structures. It is also important to determine if it has spread to nearby organs and bones. Anal cancer is highly treatable and can be cured successfully. Its survival rate is 80% for localized anal cancer. A patient with this type of anal cancer will have an overall five-year survival rate of approximately seventy percent.
Symptoms of anal cancer vary greatly depending on the stage of the disease. It can be categorized as Stage I or stage II, depending on its size and location. The cancer in the anus may not be localized, but may have spread to lymph nodes. During this stage, anal cancer is usually in the anus, but can also spread to the lungs and liver. If it has spread to lymph nodes, it will most likely spread to other parts of the body.