Symptoms, Complications, and Treatment of Anal Cancer
Getting diagnosed with anal cancer can be a scary time. However, there are several steps you can take to help you cope with the disease. The most important is learning about what the disease is, how to get diagnosed, and what to do when you find out you have it. You can also learn about the symptoms, complications, and treatment options.
Symptoms
Symptoms of anal cancer include the feeling of a lump near the anus. It is also common to have bleeding and mucus discharge. It is important to see a healthcare provider if these symptoms occur. They can help determine the cause of the symptoms.
If anal cancer is detected early, there is a good chance the tumor will be curable. However, if it is discovered too late, cancer can spread to other areas of the body. These types of cancer have a very poor prognosis.
Treatment for anal cancer depends on the type and stage of cancer. Usually, radiation therapy is used to kill cancer cells. However, it can also cause side effects, such as nausea and diarrhea.
Another option is chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is usually combined with radiation therapy. This allows cancer to be treated without the side effects of radiation therapy. Chemotherapy can be very effective.
A multidisciplinary team will work with the patient to develop a personalized treatment plan. The team can schedule an appointment for the patient in as little as 24 hours. The team will also include a pathologist who will conduct sensitive diagnostic tests. These tests can detect anal cancer and help determine the extent of cancer.
If cancer has spread, the doctor will use abdominoperineal resection to remove the tumor. This is a major operation and is usually performed under general anesthetic. This type of surgery is used only if other treatments haven’t worked.
Anal cancer can be diagnosed through an endorectal ultrasound or proctoscopy. It can also be detected during a digital rectal exam.
Cancer of the anal canal is more common in women than in men. This type of cancer starts in the cells of the anal canal. The outlook for anal cancer is poor if the cancer is detected at an advanced stage. The five-year survival rate is 61 percent for locally advanced anal cancer and 30 percent for metastatic cancer. The overall survival rate for anal cancer is 66 percent.
Cancer of the anal canal is also more common in people with weakened immune systems. People with HIV are at higher risk for developing this type of cancer.
Diagnosis
Detecting and diagnosing anal cancer involves several diagnostic tests, including proctoscopy and endorectal ultrasound. These tests can detect precancerous cells. In addition, a biopsy can be performed to find out if the cancer is related to the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
These tests are used to determine whether or not cancer has spread. They also help to determine the stage of cancer and the best course of treatment. These tests may also be used to determine the extent of cancer in nearby lymph nodes.
Some patients require surgery to treat anal cancer. In this procedure, the doctor will remove part of the colon, anus, and lymph nodes near the groin.
Radiation is also used to treat anal cancer. The radiation is administered externally or internally. It is given five days a week for five to six weeks. It is usually directed at the lymph nodes surrounding the anus. This treatment may not be painful, but it can cause side effects.
If anal cancer is suspected, it may be detected during a routine digital rectal exam. An ultrasound may also be used to determine the extent of the tumor and the presence of tumor invasion.
CT scans are also used to determine whether or not cancer has spread. A CT scan can also detect enlarged lymph nodes. The CT scan can also look for other organs near the anus that may be affected by cancer.
There are two immune-targeted therapies that are approved for anal cancer treatment. These include pembrolizumab and nivolumab. These medications are prescribed by an oncologist. In addition to chemotherapy, a patient may receive radiation therapy or other drug therapies. These treatments may help to decrease the size of cancer and control the symptoms.
Anal cancer is rare, but it can cause pain, itching, discharge, and other symptoms. It can also cause bleeding and bleeding ulcers. Patients with anal cancer have an 80% chance of recovery. However, the symptoms may continue for a while. It is important to consult with an oncologist and other members of the health care team about treatment.
Treatment options
Currently, the most common treatment for anal cancer is chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Chemotherapy drugs are delivered by mouth or intravenously and target cancer cells. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. The treatment options for anal cancer are based on the location of the tumor and the stage of cancer.
Early-stage anal cancers may be treated with surgery. The surgery may involve local resection, which involves removing the tumor from the anus, the rectum, and a small margin of normal tissue around the tumor. Surgery may also be used to treat anal cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes. In some cases, surgery may be combined with chemotherapy.
APR (abdominal perineal resection) involves two incisions in the abdomen and the removal of the anus and the rectum. In some cases, a stent is placed to hold the rectum open and to relieve symptoms. If a stent is placed, it should be followed by regular surveillance to keep the rectum open.
APR may also be used to treat anal cancer recurrence. Currently, no FDA-approved drugs exist to treat recurrent anal cancer. However, immunotherapy is a treatment option that is still in clinical trials. It strengthens the immune system’s ability to attack cancer cells.
Immunotherapy treatments may involve immune checkpoint inhibitors, which are drugs that increase the immune system’s ability to attack cancer. Immunotherapies also teach the immune system how to fight cancer.
There are other single-agent or combination treatments being tested in clinical trials. If you are considering immunotherapy treatment, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. You should also be sure to practice safe sex to prevent the development of anal cancer.
In addition to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, other treatment options for anal cancer include surgery, stent placement, and immunotherapy. Treatment options for anal cancer will vary depending on the type of tumor, the stage of cancer, and the patient’s general health.
Regardless of the treatment chosen, you should be aware of the symptoms of chemotherapy and radiation. They can include bruising, nausea, and vomiting. You should also report any problems with chemotherapy to your doctor.
Complications
Symptoms of anal cancer include rectal bleeding, a lump near the anus, and an abnormal opening in the anus. In addition, people may have genital warts, genital ulcers, or other conditions that cause similar symptoms.
Treatment for anal cancer can be effective when it is diagnosed early. Patients are usually treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery. In addition, patients must be monitored closely by their doctors to make sure that the disease is not spreading to other parts of the body.
When treatment is successful, most patients are able to live long, healthy life. In some cases, however, anal cancer may spread to other parts of the body. In rare cases, it may spread to the liver or lungs. In these cases, a doctor may prescribe drugs to suppress the immune system.
Several types of chemotherapy drugs can be used to treat anal cancer. They are usually injected into a vein or taken orally. Chemotherapy can cause nausea, vomiting, and hair loss. In some cases, chemotherapy is used in combination with radiation therapy.
If chemotherapy is used, it is accompanied by an increased risk of infections. In addition, chemotherapy may cause a decline in sexual function. Consequently, patients must be educated about good hygiene and undergo regular follow-ups with their doctors.
Anal cancer usually occurs in older adults. Risk factors for anal cancer include smoking and having a history of cancer. People with HIV are also at increased risk. The incidence rate for anal cancer has also increased over the past 30 years. In women, incidence rates have jumped 78 percent.
The most common causes of anal cancer are HPV and cigarette smoking. People with HIV and immunosuppressive drugs have an increased risk of anal cancer. Fortunately, an HPV vaccine can help reduce the risk of HPV infection.
Anal cancers typically spread through the lymphatic system. Symptoms of anal cancer include rectal or vaginal bleeding, a lump near the anus, an abnormal opening in the anus, or genital warts. In addition, anal cancer may also involve regional lymph nodes. If cancer spreads to nearby areas, a doctor may perform chemoradiation or abdominoperineal resection.
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Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
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