Anal Cancer, A Simple Guide To The Condition, Diagnosis, Treatment And Related Conditions

This book describes Anal Cancer, Diagnosis and Treatment and Related Diseases
Cancer of anus is fairly rare but recently a patient was diagnosed with this cancer after a lump in his which he thought was a bleeding pile was biopsied. He is still under treatment with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Cancer of anus is cancer that originates in the anus.
It metastases slowly and is easy to treat before it spreads.
Cancer of the anus is occasionally confused with swollen blood vessels (hemorrhoids) at the anus.
Cancer of the anus consists of 2% of cancers of the large intestine.
Most lesions occur within the canal which is the anatomical area extending from the anorectal ring to an area sited about halfway between the dentate line (or serrated) and the margin of the anus
Carcinoma forms mainly from the dentate line, in the region of transition between the mucous membrane of the rectum comprising glands and squamous anus
There are several forms of cancer of the anus because of the presence of several kinds of covering material at this level, specifically called the epithelium.
The most frequent cancer of the anus is the squamous-cell carcinoma of the anal canal.
80% of anal cancers are mainly squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs).
Other tumor types are:
1. Melanoma,
2. Lymphoma and
3. Adenocarcinoma.
The tumor behavior is dependent on the anatomical site of the primary cancer:
1. Anal margin tumors: are normally well differentiated.
They are more frequent in men and have a good prognosis.
2. Anal canal tumors: are normally poorly differentiated.
They are more frequent in women and have a worse prognosis.
Causes
The cause of anal cancer is not known.
There is a link between anal cancer and the human papillomavirus or HPV infection.
HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that has been related to other cancers as well.
Other major risk factors are:
1. HIV/AIDS infection
Anal cancer is more frequent among HIV/AIDS positive men who have sex with other men.
2. Activity with many sexual partners and having anal sex are both major risks.
This may be because of the higher risk for HPV and HIV/AIDS infection.
3. Smoking.
Quitting smoking will decrease the risk for anal cancer.
4. Weak immune system.
HIV/AIDS, organ transplants, certain immunosuppressant medicines, and other disorders that weaken the immune system raise the risk.
5. Age.
Most people who have anal cancer have an age of 50 or older.
In rare cases, it is present in people younger than age 35.
6. Gender and race.
Anal cancer is more frequent among women than men in most groups.
More African American males get anal cancer than African American females.
Symptoms
Rectal bleeding, normally minor, is one of the first symptoms of anal cancer.
Often, a person mistakenly believes the bleeding is caused by hemorrhoids.
Other early signs are:
1. A lump in or near the anus
2. Anal pain
3. Itching
4. Discharge from the anus
5. Change in bowel habits
6. Swollen lymph nodes
Diagnosis:
Anal cancer is often established by a digital rectal exam (DRE) during a routine physical exam.
1. Anoscopy
2. Ultrasound
3. Biopsy
If tests show the patient has cancer, the doctor will likely do more testing to stage the cancer.
Treatment
Treatment for anal cancer is based on:
1. The stage of the cancer
2. Where the tumor is located
3. Whether the patient have HIV/AIDS
4. Whether the cancer has resisted initial treatment
In most cases, anal cancer that has not spread can be treated with radiation therapy and chemotherapy together.
Using chemotherapy with radiation lowers the dose of radiation
Surgery is needed for:
1. Tumors that fail chemoradiotherapy.
2. Large tumors causing obstruction
3. Small anal margin tumors

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Introduct...