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The anus is the lowermost opening of the intestines connected to the rectum via the anal canal. It helps the passage of stools from the rectum outside the body. The anal canal comprises multiple layers, glands and ducts. The innermost lining of the anal canal is called the mucosa, and it is in this layer, most anal cancers originate.
Anal cancer is rare cancer, and nearly half of the cases are diagnosed before cancer has spread to other nearby sites. Anal cancers are more common in adults over 60 years of age, with a higher predisposition in men. Early diagnosis of anal cancer increases the prognosis of the condition, making them highly treatable cancers. Anal cancer life expectancy or 5-year survival rate after diagnosis is around 69%.
The most common symptom of anal cancer is bleeding from the anus or the rectum. Other symptoms that may occur in anal cancer include:
Most people who experience symptoms of anal cancer may find it embarrassing to talk about them with their family members or even their healthcare provider. If you experience one or more of the above symptoms, reach out to us at the earliest.
Diagnostic tests for anal cancer include:
Your doctor provider will take a complete medical history that includes your health, past or current illnesses, list of medications, lifestyle and other habits to understand your risk for developing anal cancer.
During a DRE, the healthcare provider inserted a well-lubricated gloved finger into the rectum to feel for lumps or changed texture of tissues in the area.
A short, thin tube (endoscope) is inserted into the rectum and the anus to examine the area.
High-energy ultrasound waves bouncing off the internal organs form a picture called a sonogram.
A thin, tube instrument with a lens and light at its tip is inserted into the anus and rectum to view the suspected area. A proctoscope may have an additional attachment that allows the collection of tissue samples for viewing under the microscope.
If your healthcare provider notices a change in tissue or growth during an ultrasound or endoscopy, they might collect a sample of the anal tissue for further evaluation. This process is called a biopsy.
Other tests that your healthcare provider may recommend to you include a CT scan, an MRI (when they suspect lymph node involvement) and blood tests to detect HIV.
Anal cancer treatment involves a multidisciplinary team of experts who create a treatment plan personalised for you. Your anal cancer treatment plan will depend upon several factors such as stage, size, age, and overall health.
Anal cancer treatment options include:
A cancer diagnosis can be scary. Though your healthcare provider will give you the best plan for treating your cancer, getting a second opinion is your right as a patient. Before undergoing cancer treatments, you must be confident in your diagnosis and treatment plan. So, if you feel unsure at any point in time, seeking a second opinion may be a great idea.
If you are experiencing symptoms of anal cancer, have queries about the condition or want an expert opinion on how to treat anal cancer treatment, or you are experiencing any symptoms that you may suspect to be due to anal cancer, reach out to us and speak to an anal cancer specialist right away!
Most people who experience symptoms of anal cancer may find it embarrassing to talk about them with their family members or even their healthcare provider. If you experience one or more of the above symptoms, reach out to us at the earliest.
Diagnostic tests for anal cancer include:
Your doctor provider will take a complete medical history that includes your health, past or current illnesses, list of medications, lifestyle and other habits to understand your risk for developing anal cancer.
During a DRE, the healthcare provider inserted a well-lubricated gloved finger into the rectum to feel for lumps or changed texture of tissues in the area.
A short, thin tube (endoscope) is inserted into the rectum and the anus to examine the area.
High-energy ultrasound waves bouncing off the internal organs form a picture called a sonogram.
A thin, tube instrument with a lens and light at its tip is inserted into the anus and rectum to view the suspected area. A proctoscope may have an additional attachment that allows the collection of tissue samples for viewing under the microscope.
If your healthcare provider notices a change in tissue or growth during an ultrasound or endoscopy, they might collect a sample of the anal tissue for further evaluation. This process is called a biopsy.
Other tests that your healthcare provider may recommend to you include a CT scan, an MRI (when they suspect lymph node involvement) and blood tests to detect HIV.
Anal cancer treatment involves a multidisciplinary team of experts who create a treatment plan personalised for you. Your anal cancer treatment plan will depend upon several factors such as stage, size, age, and overall health.
Anal cancer treatment options include: