People who have cancer in the anus often experience symptoms related to the condition, which can also be relieved with temporary colostomy. Side effects of cancer in the anus may include frequent bloating, diarrhea, and wind. Anal cancer patients may also experience occasional incontinence. These side effects usually resolve themselves after a few months. If they persist, another specialist may be consulted. Cancer in the anus can affect both men and women.
There are several types of anal cancer. The most common type is squamous cell carcinoma, while the rarer types include basal cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and melanoma. Anal cancer is caused by a faulty immune system, so early diagnosis is critical to prevent further complications. Cancer in the anus can also spread to other parts of the body. Some benign forms of anal cancer may not cause symptoms or spread to other parts of the body.
Many anal cancers begin in the cells that line the anal canal, called the mucosa. These cancer cells often appear as a darker skin on the outer side of the anus. They can also form in the anal canal, which connects the rectum and the anus. The anal canal is a complex structure with numerous glands that produce mucus, which is the body’s lubricant. In the anal canal, cells are arranged in two distinct regions: those above the anal canal are called transitional cells; cells below the dentate line are flat.
The cancer of the anus can be easily diagnosed early in the early stages. It can be detected by the symptoms in the lower anal canal. Doctors who suspect anal cancer often refer patients to a colorectal surgeon who specializes in bowel conditions. During the exam, the surgeon may insert a sigmoidoscope, anoscope, or proctoscope into the anus. They may also collect a small sample of tissue from the anal area. This tissue sample is then examined under a microscope to determine if cancer cells are present.
Some forms of anal cancer are related to other cancers. Basal cell carcinomas, for example, develop in the perianal skin and are more common in areas exposed to the sun. They are generally treated the same as cancers of the anus, but sometimes local therapy may be needed to treat them. Several forms of anal cancer are caused by HPV, a group of sexually transmitted viruses that remain in the body after an infection. While this may not be the cause of anal cancer, HPV is thought to be a contributory factor.
A diagnosis of cancer in the anus is most accurate when symptoms are present during the early stages. In some cases, rectal bleeding can be a sign that the disease has reached an advanced stage. Symptoms include abdominal pain, bleeding, and an itching sensation. These symptoms may also be the result of hemorrhoids or tears of the anal canal. In around 80% of cases, anal cancer is caused by a human papilloma virus infection. Your doctor will perform a digital anorectal examination and take a tissue sample for further testing.
