Can anal cancer be cured completely?
Most often, anal cancer first spreads to the liver, but it can also spread to places such as the lungs, bones, and far away lymph nodes. Treatment is very unlikely to cure these cancers. Instead, treatment is aimed at controlling the disease for as long as possible and relieving symptoms as much as possible.
What is done with anal cancer?
Common treatment approaches In the past, surgery was the only way to cure anal cancer, but now most anal cancers are treated with radiation and chemotherapy combined. Surgery is often not needed.
How does radiation work for anal cancer?
Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays or particles to kill cancer cells. Depending on the stage of the anal cancer and other factors, radiation therapy might be used: Along with chemotherapy as part of the main treatment for most anal cancers (This is called chemoradiation.)
Treatment
- What treatment you receive for anal cancer depends on the stage of your cancer, your overall health and your own preferences.
- There are several treatments for anal cancer. Your doctor will recommend specific therapies based on: 1. The stage and location of the anal tumor 2. Whether the patient has HIV 3. Whether the anal cancer has been previously treated The standard treatments are radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery, often in combination. 1. Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other types o…
Symptoms
- 1. Bleeding from the anus or rectum (can be minor) 2. Itching in the anal area 3. Pain in the anal area 4. Abnormal discharge from the anus 5. Change in size of bowel movements (stool may become more narrow) 6. Lump near the anus 7. Swollen lymph nodes in the anal/groin area Talk to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Other conditions that are not cancer (s…
Diagnosis
- Tests and procedures used to diagnose anal cancer include: 1. Examining your anal canal and rectum for abnormalities. During a digital rectal exam, your doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum. He or she feels for anything unusual, such as growths. 2. Visually inspecting your anal canal and rectum. Your doctor may use a short, lighted tube (anoscope) to i…
- Sometimes doctors discover anal cancer during a routine physical exam or minor procedure. Some kinds of anal cancer may not cause symptoms until they're at an advanced stage. Your doctor may recommend the following tests to help diagnose anal cancer: 1. Physical exam and medical history – The doctor will check for general signs of health or disease. He or she will ask …
Prognosis
- Anal cancer is often curable with treatment. The person's outlook depends on the location and size of the tumor and whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
Prevention
- To help reduce your risk of anal cancer: 1. Practice safe sex. The best way to lower your risk of anal cancer is to avoid sexual behaviors that might expose you to HPV and HIV infections. 1. Use condoms to protect against sexually transmitted diseases. 2. Limit your number of sexual partners. 2. HPV vaccine. A new vaccine helps guard against some forms of HPV linked to cervi…
Further Information
- Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.Medical Disclaimer...
When To Call A Professional
- Call your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms of anal cancer, including: 1. Bleeding from the anus or rectum 2. Pain or itching in the anal area 3. Abnormal discharge from the anus 4. Change in bowel movement size 5. Lump near the anus 6. Swollen lymph nodes in the anal/groin area...