Some people delay seeking medical attention due to embarrassment, while others are afraid of having this area examined. Regardless of your reason for seeking medical care, it is important to understand that you are not alone. Most cancers in this area can be treated successfully. Listed below are some of the most common treatments. Listed below are some treatments for cancer near the anus:
Stage 0 of cancer of the anus is called “high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion.” It is usually two centimeters or less in size. Stage II is a tumor that has spread to lymph nodes and organs nearby. Stage III is a tumor that has grown to multiple centimeters. Treatment is similar to that for cancer in other parts of the body. Cancer near the anus are typically treated by surgery.
Other treatments for anal cancer include chemoradiation, which can help reduce symptoms and treat the cancer itself. Although the cancer itself may not have spread, chemoradiation can kill the cancer cells and reduce the symptoms. It is effective and often does not require hospitalization. This treatment is more expensive than chemotherapy, but is the most effective way to treat anal cancer. It does not require hospitalization, which is a great benefit.
Symptoms of anal cancer include itching or bleeding, although many people mistake it for hemorrhoids. These symptoms may delay the diagnosis of anal cancer. A routine digital rectal exam or a minor procedure may detect the presence of cancer. Additional diagnostic procedures, such as anoscopy, proctoscopy, and endorectal ultrasound, can also detect the disease. If any of the tests reveal cancer, a biopsy should be performed and examined by a pathologist. Additionally, a patient may undergo a staging workup. Other tests such as pelvic CT scans, liver function studies, and pelvic ultrasound can detect cancer.
Surgery is another option for cancer near the anus. This treatment is less common than chemotherapy and radiotherapy and is used when chemotherapy has not worked. Local excision is a simple procedure that cuts out the cancer. This procedure is done under a general anaesthetic and requires a few days in the hospital. The more complicated surgery known as abdominoperineal resection is another option. The surgeon places a catheter or wire near the cancer and aims to kill the cancer cells.
Anal cancer may spread to other parts of the body. Treatment of this type of cancer requires regular tests to determine whether the cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body. The doctor may perform additional tests to determine the location and extent of the tumor. If they have spread, the cancer treatment is more effective. However, there are cases of recurrence of anal cancer. For this reason, treatment should be planned accordingly.
Despite its rarity, anal cancer is closely related to sexually transmitted infections. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is believed to be the most common cause of anal cancers. However, most cases of anal cancer are found in older adults, and those who engage in receptive anal sex, as well as smokers, have an increased risk of getting it. These conditions also have an increased chance of occurring in a person with a weakened immune system.
