This treatment removes the tumor and some healthy tissue surrounding it. It is an excellent option when the cancer is still in its early stages and the tumor is small. However, it can cause a number of side effects. This article will discuss the most common treatments for cancer near the anus.
People with a weak immune system are at risk for anal cancer. A thorough physical examination and biopsy are required for diagnosis. A biopsy will be performed in the operating room to determine the type of cancer and its spread. The biopsy may be small and can be performed using a local anesthetic. Stage 0 is a type of cancer that has not spread to lymph nodes. Stage 1 tumors are generally smaller than two centimeters in size.
If cancer spreads to other parts of the body, this is known as metastatic anal cancer. The anal canal is a short tube surrounded by muscle that is located at the end of the rectum. Through the anal canal, stool leaves the body. A cancer in this area starts when abnormal cells divide without stopping. Cancer cells may spread to other parts of the body or stay in the anus. The anal canal is a part of the digestive system, and is about 3 cm long.
The survival rate of cancer near the anus varies greatly. The survival rate for localized anal cancer is about 80 percent; for metastatic anal cancer, the survival rate is only thirty percent. The five-year survival rate for cancer near the anus is only 60 percent. However, the overall survival rate is still good and the disease tends to spread slowly. Therefore, the treatment options for cancer near the anus depend on the stage of the cancer.
Imaging tests are the next step. Diagnostic tests are used to determine whether cancer cells have spread throughout the body. X-rays and a CT scan make detailed pictures of the internal organs. Patients will be given dye to make the pictures more visible. These tests are commonly used to diagnose cancer near the anus. MRIs will help doctors determine if there are any spreads of cancer in the anus. If cancer has spread to other parts of the body, treatment options will depend on the stage of the disease.
Additional tests are ordered to determine the extent of the disease. Diagnostic tests can include a CT scan to look for metastases, enlarged lymph nodes, and other possible symptoms. PET/CT scans and ultrasounds can also detect cancer near the anus. These procedures can be used to evaluate the size of the tumor or to measure how much of the organ has been invaded. The patient will undergo a diagnostic process to confirm the diagnosis.
