Moreover, there are other risk factors for the development of this cancer. Typical symptoms include bleeding during bowel movements and a lump in the anus.
Symptoms of anal cancer differ according to its stage and location. Stage I has a tumour of two centimetres or less. A stage II anal cancer has spread to lymph nodes in the anus. In stage IIIB, the cancer has spread to distant organs and distant parts of the body. There are three types of anal tumors, depending on their size and location. Patients suffering from early-stage anal cancer may undergo local resection.
The treatment for anal cancer depends on its stage. Stage I has a tumour of less than two centimetres, while stage II is larger than two centimetres. A stage IIIA or IIIB tumour has spread to lymph nodes in the anal area. Lastly, stage IV cancer has spread to distant organs and tissues. Anal cancer symptoms are similar to those of other types of cancer. There are three common treatments for anal cancer.
Diagnosing anal cancer requires a medical examination. A small lighted scope may be used to examine the anus. A biopsy may also be performed. The doctor will perform an ultrasound to diagnose anal cancer. A physician can recommend a course of treatment based on the findings. If a diagnosis is confirmed, surgery is the next step. While surgery is an option for advanced cases, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are the gold standard for most anal cancers.
Anal cancer is classified into stages. Stage I has a tumour of two centimetres or less. A stage II tumour is two centimetres or more. In stage IIIA, it has spread to the lymph nodes in the rectum. A stage IIIB has spread to distant organs. A stage IV cancer has spread beyond the anal area and has reached other parts of the body. The treatment options for anal cancer depend on its stage.
Surgical treatment is an option for a small tumour. However, this procedure is less common than other treatments for anal cancer. It is only used if chemoradiation has failed to reduce the size of the tumour. A small tumour can be cut out during a local excision, which is a simple operation and requires a short hospital stay. The more complicated surgery known as abdominoperineal resection requires a general anaesthetic and a few days of recovery.
Anal cancer can be staged at different stages. A stage I cancer is a two-centimetre tumour. A stage II cancer is more than two centimetres. A stage IIIA cancer has spread to lymph nodes in the rectum. A stage IV anal cancer has spread to distant organs and parts of the body. A person suffering from anal stoma should see a doctor immediately.
