Surviving rates are based on data from 2008-2014. Survival rates are influenced by age and medical knowledge, but the sooner cancer is detected, the better your chance of recovery.
Symptoms of anal cancer can be spotted early, as early as the lower portion of the anal canal. A doctor may refer a patient for further diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine its stage. A colorectal surgeon may insert an anoscope, sigmoidoscope, or proctoscope into the anus to inspect for any abnormalities. The doctor may also take a sample of tissue from the anal area and examine it under a microscope to determine the cancer’s location and stage.
Surgical treatment for anal cancer can be effective. This treatment is available both for localized and distant cancers. Localized tumors with no involvement of muscle tissue can be surgically removed. Patients may not need further treatment. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are common treatments for cancer near the anus. They may also be combined with other treatments for the condition. However, early detection is key to a high survival rate. According to the National Institutes of Health, anal cancer has a five-year survival rate of 81.3 percent.
Several types of cancer near the anus are rare. Melanomas are the most common form, with most cancers occurring in the skin. These cancers often spread to other areas of the body. Although rare, melanomas may be treated with surgery if diagnosed early. For patients with cancer near the anus, surgery is a good option. But it is not a cure for cancer. If you have a tumor, it is important to seek medical attention.
Treatment for cancer near the anus will depend on the type of anal cancer. The most common treatment options are surgery and chemotherapy. Radiotherapy is sometimes used as a last resort. The exact treatment depends on the type of anal cancer and its stage. Most people will undergo radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or both. In some cases, the tumor may have spread to the lymph nodes or distant organs. If the cancer is not curable, a patient may be treated with surgery or chemotherapy.
Anal cancer starts in the anus, which is the opening of the bowel. Cancer cells multiply and divide uncontrollably. They can spread to organs and tissues surrounding the anus. The anus is a small opening at the lower end of the bowel. Usually, it is three centimetres long and connected to the outside. A lump will develop in the anus if the cells are abnormal.
Symptoms of cancer near the anus can range from bleeding in the anus to discomfort. The itching and bleeding may also be mistaken for hemorrhoids. Sometimes, anal cancer can be detected through routine digital rectal exams or minor procedures. However, if the symptoms persist, a biopsy should be performed. A pathologist will evaluate the findings. If the cancer is detected in the anus, a doctor will also order additional imaging tests such as pelvic MRI, liver function studies, and PET scans.
