It usually starts in the transitional zone of the anus, where the anal canal connects with the rectum. This area is made up of glandular and squamous cells, which produce mucus to help bowel movements pass through. Tumors can form here. Although the most common type of anal cancer is adenocarcinoma, it can also occur in a different location, including the skin.
Anal cancer can also occur in other parts of the body. Most commonly, it develops in the skin, where basal cell carcinoma occurs. Another type of cancer, called adenocarcinoma, develops in the glands surrounding the anus. Anal cancer is caused by abnormal cells in the body that grow uncontrollably and eventually form tumors. In advanced stages, cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body, which can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks. The human papillomavirus is thought to be a contributing factor in the development of anal disease, but there are no known definitive causes.
Treatment for anal cancer depends on whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. If the tumor is small, it can be removed surgically, resulting in no symptoms. However, if the cancer has spread to nearby structures, the patient may experience pain as the tumor grows and becomes a nuisance to bowel movement. The cancer may spread to other parts of the body. Without treatment, the patient can expect to live for two to three years. For this reason, pain medications and palliative surgical procedures are often recommended.
Anal cancer is usually asymptomatic. Some people may experience difficulty controlling their bowel movements. Other symptoms may include a loose stool and frequent faeces. In rare cases, there may be no symptoms or only slight symptoms. In this case, treatment may depend on the extent of the tumour. If it has spread beyond the anus, it will spread to the lymph nodes and other organs of the body.
In severe cases, surgery is the only treatment available. It is used when other treatments have failed. If the tumour is small or has spread to lymph nodes, it will be removed. The most common treatment option for anal cancer is chemotherapy. A patient undergoes two or more cycles of chemotherapy. The duration of the chemotherapy depends on the size of the tumour. Patients with stage I cancer may experience symptoms, while others may not.
Anal cancer symptoms include frequent bowel movement, loose stools, and difficulty controlling the bowel. In severe cases, a person may have no symptoms or only minor symptoms. Twenty percent of people with anal cancer don’t have any symptoms at all. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available for anal cancer. Some of these treatments may be more aggressive than others, depending on the extent of the disease and the type of the disease.
While anal cancer is often diagnosed in patients who have no symptoms, it is important to note that treatment options vary greatly. Symptoms vary by stage. Some people may have a tumour in the anal cavity that is 2 centimetres or smaller. Those with stage IIIB cancer have abnormal connections with the rectum. Some sufferers may experience bleeding or fecal incontinence. If you don’t have any symptoms of anal cancer, it is important to consult with a doctor.