This is the tube through which stool passes when having a bowel movement.
It is separate from, though connected to, the rectum.
When the cells of the tissue of the anus become abnormal and grow uncontrollably, cancer develops.
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These include:
Anal vs. Rectal Cancer
Anal cancer andrectal cancerare different.
The rectum is the last few inches of the large intestine.
Although it is a rare disease, it has been increasing in frequency in recent years.
As these abnormal cells continue to grow, they form into a tumor.
The risk factors mentioned above have the potential to cause the DNA to become abnormal.
The most common cause of anal cancer is having an HPV infection.
HPV is a common virus that is easily spread through human contact.
It has been found to be linked to the development of multiple cancers, not only anal cancer.
These include cervical and vulvar cancer, penile cancer, and cancer of the throat.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of anal cancer is made in multiple steps.
A review of any symptoms that may be present is completed as well.
Lymph nodes in the groin may be evaluated to see if they are enlarged.
If cancer is confirmed, these cancerous cells will be tested to see if HPV is present.
When the testing and biopsy are complete, a stage can be given to the anal cancer.
Staging helps the oncologist determine the best treatment options and prognosis.
The final treatment plan is developed based on the stage of the cancer.
Surgery
During surgery, the tumor and some surrounding healthy tissue are removed.
Sometimes during surgery, lymph nodes near the area are removed and tested for cancer.
Radiation
During radiation, high-energy beams are used to kill cancer cells.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of medications that work by destroying cancer cells.
These medications are often given through infusion on a specific schedule and may be used in combination with radiation.
Some chemotherapy medications may be given through oral pills.
Sensations may be altered following surgery, or things such as a colostomy bag may make one feel insecure.
Having conversations about hesitations or self-consciousness with your partner is important.
Working through these things together can help you safely return to anactive sex life.
Prognosis
The prognosis for anal cancer can vary depending upon the stage at diagnosis.
This means that 82% of people with early-stage anal cancer are alive at five years.
Your healthcare team can be a valuable resource to rely on in coping with cancer.
Ask them any questions that may come up.
Finding supportive family members or friends can also be important to have.
An early diagnosis can come with long-term survival, but finding a good oncology team is important.
Anal cancer and rectal cancer are not the same thing.
The rectum is the last part of the intestine; it sits above the anus.
The survival rate of anal cancer is dependent upon the stage in which the cancer is diagnosed.
There are things that can be done to decrease the risk of developing anal cancer.
These interventions include:
American Cancer Society.Anal cancer: introduction.
National Cancer Institute.Anal cancer treatment (PDQ)patient version.
American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of anal cancer.
American Cancer Society.Risk factors for anal cancer.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.HPV infection.
American Cancer Society.Tests for anal cancer.
American Cancer Society.Anal cancer stages.
American Cancer Society.Anal cancer: types of treatment.
American Cancer Society.Anal cancer: statistics.
American Cancer Society.Anal cancer: coping with treatment.
