While most cases of anal cancer can be successfully treated with nonsurgical procedures, some cancers may return. To determine whether cancer is recurring, your healthcare provider may suggest surgery. Although this treatment carries more risks, it is effective for many cancers. Combined radiation and chemotherapy is the gold standard treatment for most cases of anal cancer. Surgery can cure the cancer or at least significantly reduce the likelihood of its recurring. If treatment does not cure the disease, additional studies may be necessary.
While there are two types of anal cancer, the two most common types are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma arises from cells that are exposed to sunlight, while adenocarcinoma is derived from the glands surrounding the anus. Cancer begins in the body when cells divide without stopping. It may remain in the surrounding tissues, or it can spread to other parts of the body. In most cases, anal cancer is treated much like bowel cancer. Perianal cancers are also treated as akin to SCCs in other parts of the skin.
Diagnosis of anal cancer requires a careful review of the patient’s medical history and physical exam. Early symptoms may include bleeding, pain, swelling, or lumps in the anal region. However, the disease’s symptoms may be difficult to detect without an MRI or CT scan. Sometimes, patients have anal cancer that is misdiagnosed as hemorrhoids. To be sure, visit a specialist.
Surgical procedures are the primary treatment for anal cancer. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, anal cancer patients may undergo resection, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. The surgery will vary from person to person. For small tumors, surgical removal is the only option, and may even be enough to eliminate the cancer. However, this method only works if cancer hasn’t spread to nearby organs or lymph nodes.
Treatment of anal cancer varies greatly. Most patients who have a benign tumor may undergo local resection surgery, which involves the removal of the tumor itself and surrounding healthy tissue. This method is most appropriate if the cancer has not spread or is confined to the lower anus. Although it may be difficult to remove a large tumor in a small area, it is still the best option for some patients. When a tumor has spread, radiation therapy or abdominoperineal resection are considered.
Other types of HPV have been linked to increased risk of anal cancer. HPV16 has been linked to some head and neck cancers, including cervical cancer. People with any other HPV-related cancer are also at increased risk for anal cancer. HIV-infection can also increase the risk of anal cancer. While there is currently no cure for anal cancer, there are several ways to prevent it. You should also ensure that your immune system is healthy and able to fight off the infection.
While the prevalence of anal cancer is low in the general population, it has been rising rapidly among African Americans and all adults over 50. The American Cancer Society estimates that between 2001 and 2015, there were 7210 new cases of anal cancer, with 950 deaths. The greatest increase was seen among HIV-positive people and individuals who are immunosuppressed. Women are also at greater risk for anal cancer than men. It has also been associated with precancerous conditions.
