HEALTH INFORMATION ABOUT ANAL CANCER

Anal cancer is a disease in which malignant ( cancer ) cells form in the tissues of the anus ( the part of the anus between the rectum ). If occurring in the skin around the outside of the anus ( the perianal area ) is called tumors not anal cancer.

Symptom of anal cancer include :

Bleeding from the anus or rectum or a lump near the anus.

Other conditions following problems may be cause the same symptoms with anal cancer include :

• Bleeding from the anus or rectum.
• Pain or pressure in the area around the anus.
• Itching or discharge from the anus.
• A lump near the anus.
• A change in bowel habits.

The Risk factors of developing anal cancer include :

• Being over 50 years old.
• Being infected with human papillomavirus ( HPV ).
• Having many sexual partners.
• Having receptive anal intercourse ( anal sex ).
• Frequent anal redness, swelling, and soreness.
• Having anal fistulas ( abnormal openings ).
• Smoking cigarettes.

Tests and procedures are used to detect and diagnose anal cancer :

• Physical exam and history:

An exam of the body to check general signs of health, including checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. A history of the patient's health habits and past illnesses and treatments will also be taken.

• Digital rectal examination (DRE):

An exam of the anus and rectum. The doctor or nurse inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the lower part of the rectum to feel for lumps or anything else that seems unusual.

• Anoscopy:

An exam of the anus and lower rectum using a short, lighted tube called an anoscope.

• Proctoscopy:

An exam of the rectum using a short, lighted tube called a proctoscope.

• Endo-anal or endorectal ultrasound:

A procedure in which an ultrasound transducer (probe) is inserted into the anus or rectum and used to bounce high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) off internal tissues or organs and make echoes. The echoes form a picture of body tissues called a sonogram.

• Biopsy:

The removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer. If an abnormal area is seen during the anoscopy, a biopsy may be done at that time.

The prognosis of anal cancer depends on the following :

• The size of the tumor.
• Where the tumor is in the anus.
• Whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.

The treatment options of anal cancer depend on the following :

• The stage of the cancer.
• Where the tumor is in the anus.
• Whether the patient has human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV )
• Whether cancer remains after initial treatment or has recurred.