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Anal cancer

Anal Cancer

Anal cancer happens when normal cells lining the anal canalgets converted into abnormal cells and grow out of control. The anus is the last part of the gastrointestinal tract, where fecal matter leave the body.

Anal cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms initially. those who do have symptoms can have:

  • Bleeding from their anus
  • Pain in or around their anus
  • A growth in their anus
  • Itching in their orifice

All of these symptoms may also be caused by conditions that aren’t cancer. but if you’ve got these symptoms, tell your doctor.

Yes. to examine for anal cancer, your doctor can examine your anus and do a “digital rectal exam.” during a digital rectal exam, your doctor can place a gauntleted finger into your anus and lower rectum to check for abnormal growths.

He or she would possibly do one or more of the subsequent tests:

  • Anoscopy – during an anoscopy, the doctor puts a short tube with a light on the tip (called an “anoscope”) into your orifice and rectum. He will use the anoscope to check for abnormal areas or growths.
  • Biopsy – A doctor can take away a small sample of tissue from the anus. Another doctor can examine the sample under a microscope to see if it’s cancer.

Doctors sometimes find cells within the anus that aren’t cancer, but are abnormal and have a high chance of turning into cancer. Your doctor can treat these “pre-cancer” cells in several ways. He or she would possibly remove them to help keep them from turning into cancer. Or he or she may watch them closely over time.

Cancer staging may be a manner in which doctors determine if a cancer has spread past the layer of tissue where it began and, if so, how far.The right treatment for you’ll depend on the stage of your anal cancer, and your other medical issues.

 

Most people with Anal Cancer can be treated with:

  • Radiation therapy – Radiation therapy kills the cancer cells.
  • Chemotherapy –medicines that kill cancer cells or stop them from growing is medically known as chemotherapy.
  • Anal cancer is sometimes treated with surgery to get rid of the cancer. but most people do not need surgery. People don’t need surgery if their cancer gets better after chemotherapy and radiation.

After treatment, you’ll be checked every so often to check if the cancer comes back. Regular follow-up tests consist of exams (including digital rectal exams) and anoscopy. Some people even have follow-up imaging tests such as CT scan or PET-CT scans. Imaging tests can produce photos of the inside of your body.

You should also notice the symptoms listed above. Having those symptoms could mean you have the cancer again. Tell your doctor if you’ve got any symptoms.

If the cancer comes back or spreads, you may need surgery or more therapy.

It is necessary to follow all of your doctor’s instructions regarding visits and tests. it is also vital to speak to your doctor regarding any side effects or issues you have during treatment.

Getting treated for anal cancer involves making several choices, like what treatment to have.

Always let your doctors know how you are feeling about a treatment. Any time you’re offered a treatment, ask:

  • What are the advantages of this treatment? Is it likely to help me live longer? will it reduce or prevent symptoms?
  • What are the downsides to this treatment?
  • Are there alternative options besides this treatment?
  • What happens if I don’t have this treatment?
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Dr. Harsh J Shah

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