Cancer Of The Anus
Introduction
Source: NHS
In this topic (6)
What is anal cancer?
Cancer cells that form into benign or malignant tumors in the tissues of the anus are anal cancer. The anus is the opening at the bottom of your intestines where stools exit the body. Some noncancerous forms of anal cancer can turn cancerous over time. Anal cancer is rare and may spread to other parts of the body.
Types of anal cancer
There are various forms of anal cancer, each defined by the type of tumor that develops. A tumor is an abnormal growth in the body. Tumors can either be benign or malignant.
Malignant tumors can and will spread to other parts of the body over time. Examples include:
- Benign tumors: These include noncancerous tumors in the anus, such as polyps, skin tags, granular cell tumors, and condylomas (genital warts).
- Precancerous conditions: This refers to benign tumors that may become malignant over time, which are common in anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) and anal squamous intraepithelial neoplasia (ASIL).
- Squamous cell carcinoma: This is the most common type of anal cancer in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. These malignant tumors in the anus are caused by squamous cells (cells that line most of the anal canal).
- Bowen’s disease: Also known as squamous cell carcinoma in situ, this condition is characterized by abnormal cells on anal surface tissue that haven’t invaded deeper layers.
- Basal cell carcinomas: This type of skin cancer affects skin exposed to the sun. It’s a very rare form of anal cancer.
- Adenocarcinoma: This is a rare form of cancer that arises from the glands surrounding the anus.
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors: These cancers can form anywhere in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, but they most commonly occur in the small intestines and stomach.
Articles for Cancer Of The Anus
Causes
Anal cancer can occur in any person, but some people have a higher risk of developing it than others. Anal cancer is caused by the development of abnormal cells in the body that can grow uncontrollably and accumulate, forming masses known as tumors.
Diagnosis
Your GP will ask about your symptoms and carry out some examinations. If the doctor sense unexplainable ulcers in the anus, he recommends treatment and another visit in approximately two weeks. If following two weeks, the patient still suffers from residual symptoms, then the physician refers the patient to the hospital for further examinations.
Introduction
Cancer cells that form into benign or malignant tumors in the tissues of the anus are anal cancer which affects the very end of the colon. The anus is the opening at the bottom of your intestines where stools exit the body. Some noncancerous forms of anal cancer can turn cancerous over time.
Prevention and outlook
The outlook for anal cancer depends on how advanced the condition is when it's diagnosed. There is no guaranteed way to prevent anal cancer, but there are some ways to reduce your risk of getting it
Symptoms
Anal cancer often exhibits similar symptoms to other diseases such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures, hence is often accompanied by hemorrhage. Symptoms can include bleeding from the bottom (rectal bleeding), itching and pain around the anus, etc. It could happen that certain patients suffering from anal cancer may not exhibit the aforementioned signs.
Treatment
The treatment of anal cancer is a very complex process which often includes the involvement of multiple specialized physicians and varying courses of treatment. In cases where the cancer has spread and can't be cured, chemotherapy alone may be considered to help relieve symptoms.
