Symptoms of anal cancer may include difficulty controlling bowel movements, frequent pooing, or loose poo. In some cases, no symptoms will occur. In this situation, you should seek medical attention immediately. As with most cancers, treatment options are available for the disease. Anal cancer treatment options can include radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery.
While the disease can spread beyond the anus, there are three stages of the disease: stage I, stage II, and stage III. Stage I cancer is locally advanced. A tumor is considered to be in the early stages. In stage II, cancer may have grown to a size of 2 cm. In stage IIIA and IIIB, cancer has spread to lymph nodes in the rectum. In stage IV, cancer has spread to distant parts of the body or organs. The treatments for anal and rectal cancer depend on the stage of the disease.
After surgery, treatment is focused on curing the cancer. Most cases of anal cancer respond to chemotherapy and can be cured by surgery. However, the patient must undergo regular follow-up examinations to monitor the disease and to treat it. Anal cancers can be cured if detected early, but relapses are rare. The most important follow-up for anal cancer is regular physical examinations, anoscopy, and finger examinations. In most cases, you will need to have these exams every six to twelve months or even longer.
Depending on the stage of the disease, surgery may be necessary. This option is only considered if the cancer has spread beyond the anus and has not responded to chemoradiation. Small tumours can be removed during a local excision. This procedure is relatively simple and involves only a couple of days in the hospital. More complicated operations, such as abdominoperineal resection, may involve more extensive and complicated techniques.
Anal cancer can spread to the lymph nodes near the anus or other parts of the body. In most cases, it is cured in its early stages. It can take a year or more to recover completely, but many patients can resume daily activities and work after treatment. Although there are no specific tests for anal cancer, it is essential to seek medical attention for any signs and symptoms. A doctor can help you decide whether or not treatment is necessary.
Anal cancer is a serious disease that affects older adults. It is more common in women than in men, but it can affect anyone. A doctor can diagnose anal cancer in a few ways. Anal cancer can be diagnosed at any stage, and the sooner it is diagnosed, the better the prognosis. It can also be difficult to diagnose, but a professional will be able to identify the symptoms of anal ailment and prescribe the right treatment.
