If you’ve noticed changes in your anus, it may be a sign of cancer. You may be wondering what to do to prevent the growth of cancer near the anus. The good news is that there are some early detection methods for this disease. The early stage of anal cancer is called SIL, which means it can be detected by a simple exam. The lower part of the anus is commonly affected by this condition. Your doctor will likely refer you to a surgeon who specializes in bowel conditions. This physician will likely insert a small camera, proctoscope, or sigmoidoscope into your anus. Then, they may take a small sample of tissue from the anal area and examine it under a microscope.
Chemotherapy is a common treatment for anal cancer. This form of therapy is used to treat the symptoms of cancer while simultaneously killing cancer cells. It is considered palliative care and is often used in combination with other treatments. However, early detection is the key to sustained health. In most cases, the cancer can be successfully treated using a combination of chemotherapy and radiation. However, this form of treatment is more complex than chemoradiation, which can also cause side effects.
The treatment for cancer near the anus will vary according to the stage of the disease. If the cancer is found early, basal cell carcinoma may be treated similarly to non-melanoma skin cancer. Surgery may be necessary in the early stages. For advanced cases, chemotherapy will be necessary. Cancer of the anus can also spread to other parts of the body. However, it is rare. It is important to seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms.
Another common treatment method is local resection. With this type of surgery, the cancer near the anus is removed along with healthy tissue. The surgeon can use a bag attached to the outside of the belly to collect the patient’s bowel movements. While colostomy is not recommended for all cases, it is usually a good option for patients with small tumors or those with cancer that has not spread. This type of treatment is the most effective in early stage of cancer and those with a small tumor.
A doctor will also perform a complete pelvic exam, including the cervix and fallopian tubes. The rectum may be examined using an endorectal ultrasound or a simple digital rectal exam. A biopsy will confirm the diagnosis and be sent to a pathologist for analysis. A staging workup can include abdominal and pelvic CT scans, pelvic MRIs, and liver function studies. In some cases, a PET scan may be used.
Some other factors may increase your risk of cancer near the anus. One of the most common causes of anal cancer is infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus stays in the body after infection, so if you are HIV positive, you have an increased risk of developing cancer near the anus. While it rarely metastasizes, it may spread to other areas of the body, including the liver and lungs.
