Anal cancer affects older adults and women more than men. Treatment options depend on the type and stage of the disease. The earlier it is detected, the better the chances of recovery. Ada, a free app, offers a free symptom assessment. To learn more about anal cancer, visit a doctor. The treatment options vary, but the early diagnosis increases the likelihood of a cure. A doctor can prescribe the right treatment based on the diagnosis and the patient’s personal situation.
Radiation therapy is a treatment option for cancer of the anus. It destroys cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. It can cause diarrhea, nausea, or skin irritation. Doctors will discuss how to minimize these side effects. Local resection is another treatment option. This surgery removes the tumor, but preserves the sphincter, allowing the patient to continue bowel movements. Treatment options are individualized and vary depending on the type of cancer and the patient’s medical history.
Symptomatic patients with anal cancer will require additional tests to determine the extent of the disease. A CT scan or MRI may be necessary, as the cancer may have spread to nearby organs. An ultrasound is another option that evaluates the anal canal. During the exam, a lighted instrument is inserted through the anus to look at any suspicious areas. If the surgeon finds a lump, he may take a small sample of tissue and examine it under a microscope.
Another treatment option for cancer of the anus is surgery. Surgical removal of the cancer may be the best option if it is small and is resistant to chemoradiation. However, this procedure is only used if chemoradiation has failed. The doctor can also remove the anus and rectum as a part of the treatment plan. The surgeon will remove the cancer and surrounding tissues in a surgical procedure called abdominoperineal resection.
After the treatment, cancer can recur. In this case, the cancer may spread to lymph nodes or organs nearby. Cancer in the anus can also spread to the lungs or liver. Different types of treatment are available, including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Patients may need follow-up tests after treatment. In any case, the cancer treatment is important for the long-term survival of the patient. There are risks and side effects associated with anal cancer treatment.
Various types of cancer can be found in the anus. There are also squamous cell cancers that can start inside the anal canal. However, cancer of the anus that is not caused by a squamous cell type is less common and is typically treated in the same manner as skin cancer. Surgical removal of anal cancer is usually possible if it is detected early. This cancer has a low risk of recurrence and is the best treatment option if detected early.
In addition to a biopsy, a doctor may perform an anal Pap smear to check for anal cancer. This procedure is similar to a Pap smear, but a device is inserted into the anus. The device produces pictures of the anal tissues and assesses tumor size and shape. Computed tomography, or CT scan, is another treatment method. With this procedure, x-rays take pictures of the chest, abdomen, pelvis, and anal cavities.
