Anal Cancer Details
Anal cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form (cancer) in the tissues of the anus.
The anus is the end point of the large intestine, below the rectum, through which the body dismissed the stool (solid waste). The anus is formed partly by the outer layers of skin on the body and partly from the intestine. Two ring-shaped muscles, called sphincter muscles, open and close the anal opening to allow stool to be evacuated from the body. The anal canal, the part of the year that lies between the rectum and the anal opening, is about 1 ½ inches long.
Anatomy of the lower digestive system, showing the colon and other organs.
The skin around the outside of the anus is called the perianal area. Tumors in this area are skin tumors, not anal cancer.
Being infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV, for its acronym in English) may influence the risk of anal cancer.
Among the risk factors include:
* Having more than 50 years of age.
* Being infected with human papillomavirus (HPV, for its acronym in English).
* Sexual promiscuity.
* Having passive anal intercourse (anal sex).
* Redness, swelling and discomfort often the anus.
* Having anal fistulas (abnormal openings).
* Smoking cigarettes.
Signs that may indicate anal cancer include bleeding from the anus or rectum or a lump near the anus.
These and other symptoms may be caused by anal cancer. There is the possibility that other conditions may cause the same symptoms. You must see a doctor if any of the following problems:
* Bleeding from the anus or rectum.
* Pain or pressure in the area around the anus.
* Itching or discharge from the anus.
* Mass near the anus.
* Change in bowel habits.
To detect (find) and diagnose anal cancer tests are used to examine the rectum and anus.
You can use the following tests and procedures:
* Physical exam and history: An exam of the body to check general health and identify any signs of illness such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. Also be taken on the patient’s health habits, history of illnesses and treatments applied in each case.
* Digital rectal exam (DRE, for its acronym in English): examination of the anus and rectum. The doctor or nurse inserts a gloved finger lubricated at the bottom of the right feeling for lumps or anything else that seems unusual.
* Anoscopy: examination of the anus and lower rectum using a short tube called anoscope light.
* Proctoscopy: examination of the rectum using a short tube called proctoscope light.
* Anal or endorectal ultrasound: A procedure in which the introduction of a transducer (probe) ultrasound in the anus or rectum and used to bounce high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) off internal tissues or organs and make echoes. These echoes form a picture of body tissues called a sonogram.
* Biopsy: The removal of cells or tissues so that a pathologist to observe under a microscope and determine if there are signs of cancer. If you notice an abnormal area during anoscopy, you can perform a biopsy at that time.
Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.
The prognosis (chance of recovery) depends upon the following:
* Size of the tumor.
* Where in the anus is located tumor.
* If the cancer has spread to lymph nodes.
Treatment options depend on the following:
* The stage of cancer.
* Where in the anus is located tumor.
* If the patient has human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
* If cancer remains after initial treatment or if the cancer has recurred.