Anal Cancer
A rare disease, anal cancer accounts for less than 6,000 cases a year in the U.S., although its incidence appears to be increasing each year.
Anal cancer occurs when malignant tumors develop at the opening end of the rectum. Benign, or noncancerous, tumors can also later develop into anal cancer. While no one knows its cause, doctors believe a genetic mutation leads to anal cancer.
Caught early, this cancer can be cured; however, once it spreads to other organs, the five-year survival rate drops to 20%. Treatment includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgical removal of the cancer.
If you are older than 50, have multiple sexual partners, smoke cigarettes or have the human papillomavirus (HPV), you are at greater risk of developing this cancer. You are also at greater risk if you take immunosuppressive drugs like those taken after an organ transplant. Visit your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms: anal itching, bleeding in the anus or rectum, and pain near the anus.
Recently Answered
- Q What is the treatment for anorectal cancer?
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The treatment for anorectal cancer will depend on the stage of cancer, and may involve radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and/or surgery. Chemotherapy and radiation are generally the first line of treatment for anal cancers.- Radiation may be administered... Full Answer
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- Q How is anorectal cancer diagnosed?
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Your physician will perform a physical examination and take a full medical history. He or she will do a digital rectal examination to check for lumps or anything unusual by inserting a lubricated, gloved finger into the lower part of the rectum. Your... Full Answer
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- Q What are the risk factors for anorectal cancer?
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Individuals infected with human papillomavirus (HPV) and anal or genital warts are at an increased risk of developing anal cancer. Chronic suppression of the immune system from infection of HIV/AIDS or the use of transplantation drugs such as... Full Answer
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- Q What are the symptoms of anorectal cancer?
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Symptoms of anal cancer include bleeding from the rectum or anus, pain or pressure in the region surrounding the anus, an itching or discharge from the anus, a lump in the region, and a change in bowel habits may indicate anal cancer. Other conditions... Full Answer
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- Q What is anorectal cancer?
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Anorectal cancer is characterized by the growth of cancerous cells in the tissues of the anus. Full Answer
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- Q What are the tests for anal cancer?
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The following tests and procedures may be used to test for anal cancer: Physical exam and history: An exam of the body to check general signs of health, including checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. A... Full Answer
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- Q What are the factors that affect the prognosis of anal cancer?
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The prognosis (chance of recovery) depends on the following: The size of the tumor Where the tumor is in the anus Whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes The treatment options depend on the following: The stage of the cancer Where the... Full Answer
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- Q What is anal cancer?
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Anal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the anus. The anus is the end of the large intestine, below the rectum, through which stool (solid waste) leaves the body. The anus is formed partly from the outer, skin... Full Answer
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- Q What are the standard treatments for anal cancer?
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Three types of standard treatment are used: Radiation therapy Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells. There are two types of radiation therapy. External radiation therapy uses... Full Answer
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- Q What are the stages of anal cancer?
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The following are the stages of anal cancer: Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ) In stage 0, abnormal cells are found in the innermost lining of the anus. These abnormal cells may become cancer and spread into nearby normal tissue. Stage 0 is also called... Full Answer
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