Surgery can be performed for a number of reasons. Most cancers are curable if found early, but it is important to know your options. Treatment is most effective if it is detected at an early stage, but cancer can come back after chemoradiation treatments have failed. To help you choose the best treatment option, it is important to learn as much as possible about the various types of anal cancers.
The first step in the treatment process is an examination. During an anoscopy, the healthcare provider may notice some abnormalities that require further testing. If these symptoms persist, a biopsy is often performed. The pathologist will review the specimen under a microscope to determine the type of cancer. If the cancer has spread to distant organs, treatments may differ. X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging may also be done to evaluate the cancer.
Anal melanomas are rare and are similar to melanoma, another type of skin cancer. The good news is that melanomas can be removed surgically if caught early. Unlike other types of cancer, anal melanomas are difficult to detect. When they are found in their early stages, however, surgical removal may be required. It is important to consult with a physician about any suspicious areas on the anus.
Symptoms of cancer near the anus may include fullness, pain, and discomfort. These symptoms can also be caused by conditions such as haemorrhoids or tears in the anal canal. The majority of cases of cancer near the anus are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), which accounts for about 80% of the incidence. In order to diagnose anal cancer, a doctor will conduct a digital anorectal examination and take a tissue sample for testing.
Patients with anal cancer may also undergo surgery. This can help alleviate the symptoms and relieve the pain caused by the cancer. Surgery is also a viable option for cancer that has returned after treatment. The type of surgery performed will depend on the type of cancer, size, and stage. If the tumour has not spread to muscles, it may be operable as a local resection. The most common anal cancer treatment is chemotherapy.
Other types of cancer may occur in the anus. Melanoma, which begins in melanocytes (cells that make skin pigment), can begin in the anal canal. Surgery is often the treatment for melanoma, but it is also possible for gastrointestinal stromal tumours to start in the anus. Adenocarcinoma, meanwhile, is more common in the intestine and stomach.
While the causes of anal cancer are unclear, some risk factors are known to contribute to its development. HIV infection, for example, compromises the immune system, which makes the body more vulnerable to anal cancer. Other risk factors include receptive anal sex, multiple sex partners, and not wearing barrier protection. Smoking also increases the risk of cancer in the anus. Furthermore, a weakened immune system puts the body at a greater risk of developing cancer in the anus.
