Anal Cancer

Anal cancer (also known as anal canal carcinoma) occurs in the tissues or lining of your anus. Your anal canal joins your anus (the opening) and rectum (the lowest part of your digestive system). Your anus is where excrement exits your body. Healthcare practitioners can cure anal cancer if it is detected and treated early. There are two forms of anal cancer: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. The most frequent type of anal cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma in anal cancer differs from skin cancer, which begins in the top layer of the skin.

Symptoms

Anal cancer symptoms may appear to be ordinary conditions, such as a persistent itch in the anus. Additional symptoms may include:

• Rectal bleeding, particularly during bowel movements.
• a lump or mass. (An anal cancer lump may appear near your anal opening).
• Pain.
• You may notice a change in the frequency or consistency of your bowel movements.
• Leaking stool.
• Tenesmus is the sensation of having a constant need to poop.

Causes

The specific cause of anal cancer remains unknown. However, there are some risks linked with the condition. For example, the majority of anal cancer incidences are connected to specific kinds of human papillomavirus (HPV). However, it is crucial to emphasize that the vast majority of HPV-positive individuals do not develop anal cancer.

Diagnosis

Your provider will do a digital rectal exam. They will do an anal Pap test or a biopsy to collect cells for a medical pathologist to analyze under a microscope. (Women and people with AFAB may undergo pelvic examinations.) Your provider will also do endoscopic and imaging examinations.

Endoscopic tests

Endoscopic tests are performed by providers to examine the insides of your rectum and anus. These tests are performed utilizing specialized equipment, which are thin, flexible tubes equipped with a light, a lens, and a video camera. They may collect tissue samples (biopsies) for pathologists to evaluate. Endoscopic testing involves:

• Anoscopy is a procedure in which providers examine your anus and lower rectum using a short, lighted tube known as an anoscope.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy to detect tumors and polyps in your rectum and anus.
• A colonoscopy examines your entire colon for tumors and polyps.

Imaging tests

Imaging examinations allow clinicians to learn more about tumors, such as their size and particular location. Imaging tests can include:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
• Transrectal ultrasound.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan.
• Positron emission (PET) scan.

Anal cancer staging

Cancer staging systems are used by healthcare providers to plan treatment and create prognoses, which are expectations for what will happen following treatment. They examine tumor size, the presence of cancer in your lymph nodes, and if the tumor has spread or metastasized. Anal cancer has five stages: stage 0, stage 1, stage 2, stage 3, and stage 4.

Treatment

Treatment for anal cancer varies depending on the type and stage of the disease, but may include:

Radiation therapy: Anal cancer is treated with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). EBRT is classified into several types, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy, and brachytherapy.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are frequently used as early treatments for anal cancer. The combination treatments frequently eradicate anal cancer, eliminating the need for surgery. If you require surgery, you may receive chemotherapy before surgery to decrease the tumor (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) or after surgery to eliminate any leftover cancer cells (adjuvant chemotherapy).

Surgery: Laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat anal cancer that has recurred or did not respond to radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. It entails removing the anus, rectum, and colon. If you have this surgery, your surgeon will also perform a permanent colostomy, which allows you to expel excrement into a bag or pouch linked to your body.

Immunotherapy: If you have late-stage anal cancer, your doctor may suggest immunotherapy to alleviate your symptoms. Immunotherapy helps your body fight cancer.

Prevention

There is no guaranteed way to prevent anal cancer, but you can reduce the risk by taking the following steps:

• Dont smoke.
• Practice safe sex.
• Get the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.

Conclusion

Anal cancer is a rare but serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. While HPV infection is a major risk factor, it is important to remember that anal cancer is preventable with vaccination against high-risk strains of HPV and regular screening for those at high risk. If you experience any unusual symptoms like rectal bleeding, pain, or a lump near the anus, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes and help those affected lead healthier lives. Visit SHALBY Sanar International Hospitals to learn more.