If you’ve ever wondered what cancer near the anus is like, this article can give you the answers you’re looking for. Essentially, it’s cancer that starts in skin cells, called melanocytes. It begins in the anus, where it can spread to other parts of the body and cause symptoms. Doctors usually treat anal cancer the same way they treat melanomas, including surgery. If it’s caught early, the survival rate is 82%.
During a cancer examination, doctors will look for the presence of a mass or growth. A tumor may be classified as stage 0 if it’s less than 2 centimeters (1 inch) in diameter and has not spread beyond the anus. In contrast, a tumor in stage 3a or 3b is likely to have spread to other parts of the body and to the lymph nodes. If the tumor is in a stage 4 and has spread to the lymph nodes or distant organs, it is considered metastatic cancer.
If a lump is present, a doctor may recommend a biopsy. The biopsy is done to determine whether cancer cells are present in the area. If the diagnosis is confirmed, further tests may be necessary. These tests may include an anal ultrasound or a CT scan. If a mass is found, the doctor may perform imaging tests to help diagnose the disease and determine its extent. For most anal cancers, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are considered the gold standard for treatment. Small tumors can be removed without treatment, while more advanced cancers may need major surgery.
Most anal cancers begin as anal dysplasia, also known as anal intraepithelial neoplasia, which is when cells in the anus begin to grow abnormally but do not spread to the surrounding tissue. Another type of cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which starts in anal glands and is usually treated in the same way as bowel cancer. Occasionally, anal cancers spread to other parts of the body, most often through direct invasion into adjacent tissues or the lymphatic system.
Surgical treatment for cancer near the anus depends on its extent. Some patients will require surgery to remove the tumor, but the cancer can still spread and cause serious symptoms. Surgical treatment will usually include chemotherapy and radiation. Surgery is often the best option when the cancer is a recurrence or if it is difficult to treat with other forms of treatment. A surgeon may choose to remove the anus and rectum to get rid of the tumor completely.
Patients with anal cancer may undergo further diagnostic tests to determine whether the cancer has spread elsewhere in the body. Imaging tests may include CT scan, MRI, endorectal ultrasound, or PET-CT scan. A CT scan can help doctors detect any enlarged lymph nodes. PET/CT scans can detect distant metastases of the cancer. Liver function tests may also detect cancer near the anus. If anal cancer is detected early, treatment can begin.
