Although the prognosis for these cancers is poor, they are treatable and generally incurable when caught early. Read on to learn more about cancers that can be treated and how to find the best treatment option for your specific case. Here are some symptoms of anal cancer. You may notice rectal bleeding that is unusually heavy or persistent. If your hemorrhage is accompanied by abdominal pain or change in your bowel habits, you should seek medical attention. The good news about anal cancer is that it usually spreads very slowly and can be treated effectively if detected in its early stages.
If cancer near the anus has spread to distant parts of the body, it will require further testing, including a biopsy. This process involves removing a small piece of the tumor for analysis. After the biopsy, you may experience some mild bleeding, which may last a few days. If the tumor has spread to lymph nodes, treatment options may vary. However, most patients will receive some form of treatment based on their specific case and the type of cancer they have.
Patients with a weak immune system should seek medical attention for any suspicious anal lumps. Malignancies in this area are rare and may go undiagnosed without treatment. Physical examinations and biopsy of tumor samples in the operating room are the main tools used to diagnose cancer near the anus. Biopsy is usually done under local anesthesia. A biopsy of tumor tissue will determine the stage and type of the cancer. In the early stages, cancers are deemed stage 0 and have no spread to lymph nodes.
Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are often used to treat anal cancer. In addition to using cancer-killing medications, chemotherapy and radiation therapy also target cancer cells. Radiation therapy is an excellent option for treating anal cancer. Patients may benefit from the fact that radiation and chemotherapy are often not needed. This treatment is also considered an excellent option for treating recurrent cancer near the anus. This treatment option also does not require hospitalization.
Anal cancer occurs when cells in the anal canal become uncontrolled. In the worst case, tumors grow in the anal verge and invade other parts of the body. It is possible for the tumor to spread to the lymphatic system and to other parts of the body. In the most severe cases, it may spread to other parts of the body. A doctor should be consulted for proper diagnosis and treatment for cancer near the anus.
An abdominoperineal resection is another option for treatment of cancer near the anus. During this procedure, the cancerous section of the colon is removed along with lymph nodes. After the surgery, the patient will need to have a colostomy tube, in which waste is diverted out through the abdominal wall. Afterward, a patient may develop sexual dysfunction and urinary incontinence.