A chest x-ray is also helpful in determining if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The doctor may also use a PET scan to determine whether cancer has spread elsewhere. A physical examination and anoscopy are recommended every six to twelve months. If you think you may have anal cancer, it is important to schedule a follow-up visit as soon as possible.
The cause of anal cancer is unknown, but the disease often starts in the cells that line the anus. The cells in this type of cancer fail to respond to normal cell signals and may grow into a tumor. Sometimes, the tumor breaks through the layers of cells surrounding it. Symptoms may appear gradually, but the cancer is almost always curable if caught early. Cancerous cells in the anus may be found in a variety of different types.
The survival rate of people with anal cancer is often given in five or ten years. These figures are for people diagnosed over the past five years. The five-year survival rate is based on people who were still receiving treatment five years ago. The survival rate for those diagnosed today is around eighty percent. However, the number of patients who survive the disease increases if the diagnosis is made in its early stages. To make sure that you get the right diagnosis, you can download an app like Ada. This free app allows you to assess your symptoms and provide treatment recommendations.
In case you suspect that you have anal cancer, it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Anal cancer may be difficult to detect because the symptoms may be caused by other conditions. A regular checkup is crucial for the proper diagnosis of this cancer. The cancer may be in its early stages, so you need to be aware of the symptoms of the disease so that you can get the right treatment. If you have an abnormal growth, you may need surgery.
Anal cancer is treated by a combination of chemotherapy and radiation. Combination therapy has been shown to increase the chance of a cure in most cases. Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells. While this treatment is not for everyone, it is recommended for patients with a small tumor. In addition, it can cause side effects such as hardening of the anal canal. If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, radiation therapy is often used.
In some people, the risk of anal cancer is greater if they have multiple sexual partners. Additionally, the risk is higher if you smoke or have a history of cancer. Smoking, having a weakened immune system, and HIV are also risk factors. Other people may be more susceptible to anal cancer if they have certain health conditions, such as a weakened immune system. However, anal cancer rarely spreads to distant parts of the body. When it does, it most likely spreads to the liver and the lungs.
