How many treatments are there for anal cancer?
For anal cancer, there are 3 main types of treatment: surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Treatment options and recommendations depend on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, possible side effects, and the patient's preferences and overall health.
What is the best chemo for anal cancer?
Chemotherapy drugs used to treat anal cancer The main drug combination used to treat anal cancer is 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and mitomycin. The combination of 5-FU and cisplatin can also be used, especially in people who can't get mitomycin or for advanced anal cancer.
Is anal cancer treatment successful?
Anal cancer often can be treated successfully with chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy. If the cancer has spread (metastasized), a combination of therapies including surgery as well as participation in a clinical trial may be suggested.
Is surgery an option for anal cancer?
Doctors typically use different procedures to remove anal cancer based on the stage of the cancer: Surgery to remove early-stage anal cancers. Very small anal cancers may be removed through surgery. During this procedure, the surgeon removes the tumor and a small amount of healthy tissue that surrounds it.