Anal cancer is a form of tumor that develops when abnormal cells in the anus become cancerous. While healthy cells grow and multiply at a controlled rate, these abnormal cells continue to multiply and grow, without dying. The accumulating abnormal cells form a mass and invade surrounding tissues. Once cancerous, the cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body, including the lung. Fortunately, a diagnosis can be made early to preserve a person’s quality of life.
Chemotherapy is the most common treatment for anal cancer. It usually involves the administration of chemotherapy drugs through peripherally inserted central catheters. These catheters stay in place until the treatment is finished. During this treatment, a patient needs to wear a catheter and a plastic pump. In some hospitals, chemotherapy can also be given by tablets. However, these types of treatments do not cure anal cancer and should be used only with the advice of a physician.
Treatment for anal cancer may vary, depending on the stage of the disease. Earlier detection means improved recovery and reduced side effects. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to maintaining overall health and achieving the best possible result. Early detection of anal cancer is crucial in maximizing your chances of long-term tumor control. According to the National Institutes of Health, the five-year survival rate for localized anal cancer is 81.3 percent.
In addition to the above mentioned treatment options, your doctor may order additional tests to determine the extent of your disease. A CT or MRI scan may be ordered to look for enlarged lymph nodes and possible distant metastases. A PET/CT scan is another imaging method used to determine the extent of the disease. During the procedure, a probe is inserted into the anus to determine the extent of the tumor’s invasion.
Surgical treatment for anal cancer is less common than other treatments. In most cases, it is only used when chemoradiation has failed or when the tumour is too small to be removed by other means. A local excision, also known as a resection, can be performed if the tumor is small and the cancer has not spread. Local excision is a relatively straightforward surgery performed under a general anaesthetic and only requires a few days of hospitalization. An abdominoperineal resection, on the other hand, is a more complex operation.
Certain types of HPV have been associated with a higher risk of anal cancer. HPV16 is linked to some head and neck cancers, including cervical cancer. People with weakened immunity may also be at risk of anal cancer. People with HIV or penile cancer also have a higher risk of this disease. Moreover, people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop anal cancer than healthy individuals. While anal cancer rarely metastasizes to other parts of the body, it can spread to the liver and lungs.
Anal cancer is often detected early. It may be detected by a physician when a person is exhibiting symptoms or when it is found incidentally during a yearly physical examination. The physician may perform a digital rectal exam during the exam to check for changes in the anus and rectum. Colorectal screening tests are also helpful in detecting anal cancer. The doctor inserts a gloved finger into the anus or rectum and feels the tissue for changes.
