The good news is that there are several treatment options available. These treatments are described below. Surgery is another option that can cure cancer in the anus. Surgery may be a last resort in certain cases, but chemotherapy can help to relieve the symptoms of the disease. Treatment is dependent on the stage of the cancer, but the sooner it is detected, the better the chances of a cure.
Two types of cancer can affect the anus: basal cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Basal cell cancer occurs on skin exposed to sunlight, while adenocarcinoma develops in the glands surrounding the anus. Both types of cancer develop in cells that grow uncontrollably and can form tumors. When these cells become advanced, they can spread to other parts of the body and interfere with normal functions. Anal cancer is believed to be caused in part by the human papillomavirus, a sexually transmitted infection.
To diagnose cancer near the anus, the doctor will need to perform a physical examination and perform a biopsy. A biopsy can show whether cancer is present in the anus or elsewhere. Other tests may include an ultrasound of the anus, which uses a small instrument to see the location of the cancer. In most cases, a biopsy can give a precise diagnosis, but some types of anal cancer can recur.
The good news is that if you suspect cancer near the anus, your doctor will want to perform a biopsy. While it’s rare for a patient to have cancer in this region, it can be detected by an ultrasound or a digital rectal exam. You may also be able to have an anoscopy or proctoscopy. If your doctor suspects that you have cancer in the anus, a biopsy should be performed and examined by a pathologist. Further tests may include pelvic and abdominal CT scans and liver function studies.
Surgery is another treatment option for cancer near the anus. It’s less common than chemotherapy and is only considered for advanced cases after chemoradiation has failed. With local excision, small tumours can be cut out with a scalpel, and surgery is usually simple and quick. However, abdominoperineal resection is a more complicated procedure that requires more than one surgery. Luckily, it’s not as invasive as it sounds.
Other causes for cancer near the anus include hemorrhoids, skin tags, and polyps. However, cancer in the anus can also occur in people with impaired immune systems. Organ recipients must take medication to prevent their organs from being rejected. In addition to cancer near the anus, other anal symptoms include bleeding, discharge, pruritus, and a change in bowel habits. Patients with anal cancer should also consider a history of receptive anal intercourse, and the appearance of a mass.
Despite its rarity, cancer near the anus may be missed if it doesn’t show any distinct symptoms. While the symptoms of cancer in the anus are nonspecific, many malignancies of perianal skin may be mistaken for perianal symptoms, which can result in inaccurate diagnoses or treatment dilemmas. The correct diagnosis of anal cancer is critical to a successful treatment plan, and physical examination is an essential part of this process. If the disease has spread to nearby organs, the treatment options are largely dependent on the location of the tumor.
