Most anal cancers are curable, though some cancers may recur and require surgery. Surgery is the best option for many cases and can save your life. It is important to understand that surgery can also cause side effects, but it is also the most effective treatment for some cases. Combination chemotherapy and radiation are the standard treatments for many types of anal cancer. While chemotherapy and radiation have more side effects, they can also help you live longer. After five years, about 70 percent of people who undergo this type of treatment are still alive. Your surgeon will monitor the outcome of treatment and look for any new signs. Further studies may be necessary.
A person with an impaired immune system and those who smoke are at increased risk of anal cancer. A person who has had an organ transplant is also at higher risk. People with AIDS may also be susceptible to anal cancer. Cancer of the anus can also occur in those who have an abnormal opening called an anal fistula. Although anal cancer rarely spreads to other parts of the body, it can affect the lungs and liver.
Symptoms of cancer in the anus may include a sensation of fullness, pain or discomfort in the anal area. Some symptoms of anal cancer can be caused by haemorrhoids or tears in the anal canal. The most common cause of anal cancer is human papilloma virus (HPV), which accounts for 80% of all cases. Your doctor will then conduct a digital anorectal examination (DAE) and take a sample of tissue for further testing.
In addition to anal cancer, HPV is also known to cause cervical cancer. In the United States, about 80 million people have HPV. In Japan, HPV type 16 and 18 are the most common causes of anal cancer. HPV is transmitted through sexual contact. In Japan, the HPV virus is responsible for more than 80 percent of anal cancer cases. While HPV is a sexually transmitted disease, it is still a risk factor.
Cancer in the anus is a form of anal cancer when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably. While healthy cells multiply and die in a controlled manner, abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and never die. Eventually, they form a mass. When cancer cells multiply beyond their normal range, they invade nearby tissues. Sometimes, cancer cells spread to other parts of the body, including lymph nodes and organs. So it is important to seek treatment for this type of cancer if it starts in the anus.
Surgery is also an option for treating anal cancer. It is less common than chemoradiation, but is still a viable option if your cancer is small and localized. Local excision, a procedure performed under a general anaesthetic, is a relatively straightforward procedure. A few days in the hospital are required. If surgery is necessary, the procedure is called abdominoperineal resection.
