Anal Cancer Treatment

Anal Cancer is a rare type of malignancy that is commonly seen in adults above 35 years of age. The average age of Diagnosis is 60 years. The risk of developing cancer is higher in women. Around 90 out of 100 cases are linked to underlying HPV infection.

What is Anal Cancer?
The term Anal Cancer is used for any cancer that originates from the cells lining the Anus, the short, narrow tube that is found at the end of the Rectum. Anal Cancer can be of several different types, which include squamous cell Carcinoma and Adenocarcinomas. The former happens to be the most common type. 

What are the symptoms of Anal Cancer?
Common symptoms that may point towards the possibility of one having anal Cancer include:

•  Anal bleeding
• An unusual mass or lump near the Anus
• Pain and pressure in the Anus
• Itching and redness in and around the Anus
• Unexplained change in bowel habits 

When should you see a Specialist?
It is advisable to see a specialist as soon as you detect any of the above-mentioned symptoms. All these just points towards the possibility of you having anal cancer but are not definitive. In order to confirm whether a patient has anal Cancer or not, doctors perform some physical examinations and tests. The sooner you consult a Specialist, your Prognosis would be quicker and you would have a better chance to overcome it.

What causes Anal Cancer? 
There are several different factors that may be responsible for the DNA mutations that lead to the uncontrolled multiplication of malignant cells in the Anus. Since DNA is responsible for regulating the reproduction of cells, any fault in it is likely to disrupt the same. The abnormal cells, having a greater life span, continue to build up and gradually result in the formation of a Tumour. Some of the common risk factors that can increase your risk of having such DNA mutations include the following :

• Ageing
• Heavy smoking
• Anal sex 
• Personal history of Anal Cancer
• Family history of Cancer 
• Long-term use of immunosuppressive drugs 

Modalities used for the Diagnosis of Anal Cancer 

• Physical examination
• Anoscopy 
• Ultrasound 
• Tissue Biopsy 

Treatment options available for Anal Cancer

• Surgery (procedures like abdominoperineal resection)
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation Therapy