Many people may have no idea that cancer near the anus is dangerous, so it’s crucial to know what to do if you suspect that it’s an anal cancer. There are several treatment options, and each one has its own set of risks and benefits. Listed below are just a few of the most common types of treatment for cancer near the anus. If you suspect you may have this condition, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Your doctor will perform tests to determine whether the cancer has spread to the anus. The results of these tests will help the doctor decide what kind of treatment you should receive. If you do develop an anal cancer, your doctor will likely refer you for a multidisciplinary team of specialists. These specialists work together to provide you with the best care possible. You may have to undergo several tests to determine whether you have the disease. If you have a family history of anal cancer, your doctor may suggest undergoing a colonoscopy and biopsy.
Locally advanced anal cancer has a survival rate of 61 percent. Metastatic cancer is only 30 percent. Your five-year survival rate will depend on the type of cancer. The better your doctor knows your condition, the better your chances are of survival. In addition, cancer treatments are different for different stages of cancer. In general, however, the earlier the cancer is detected, the better. For instance, if cancer has spread to lymph nodes, it’s considered metastatic anal cancer.
Imaging tests are the most important part of the treatment process for cancer near the anus. CT scans produce detailed pictures of the inside of the body. A computer linked to an x-ray machine creates these pictures. To make the pictures clearer, a dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed. For further information, a CT scan is also useful for determining the extent of cancer and its spread.
Other types of anal cancer may be benign or malignant. Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that affects the anus. Adenocarcinoma develops in the glands surrounding the anus. Approximately 25 percent of anal cancer cases are cloacogenic. HPV is the cause of cervical cancer prior to routine Pap smears. The human papillomavirus is another possible cause.
Surgery is another option for cancer near the anus. This treatment option is less common and used only if other treatments have failed. A local excision, also known as a local resection, can be an effective treatment if the cancer is relatively small and has not spread. The recovery time is shorter compared to the other two options, but the results are more likely to be positive. The procedure will likely result in a temporary stoma, and it is not uncommon for the patient to experience urinary incontinence or sexual dysfunction.
While the majority of anal cancer is preventable, there are certain risk factors for developing it. Having a weak immune system can leave the body defenseless against it. People who take immunosuppressive drugs, HIV, or multiple sex partners are more likely to develop cancer near the anus than non-sexuals. People who smoke also have a greater risk for anal cancer. Despite the fact that anal cancer is rare, people who smoke have a greater risk for it.
