The treatment of cancer of the anus is different than the treatment of cancers around the anus. True anal cancers arise from the lining cells of the anus, the last portion of the gastrointestinal tract after the rectum. Cancers that arise outside of the anus in the skin are termed perianal skin cancers or anal margin cancers. These are treated as skin cancers and not as true anal cancers.
Although anal cancer is rare (comprising only 1.8% of all malignancies of the
digestive tract), its incidence is on the rise. While the exact cause of anal
cancer hasn't been determined, researchers have shown that it is highly
associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV is the virus that is
known to cause cervical cancer in women.
As with any cancer, treatment is dependent upon the type, size, and extent of
spread (stage) of the particular tumor as well as the overall health status of
the patient. Surgery is no longer the standard treatment for most forms of anal
cancer, although this option was used routinely in the past. Formerly, anal
cancers were treated with a surgical procedure known as abdominoperineal
resection (APR). The procedure required removal of the anorectum and the creation of a
permanent colostomy, an opening made in the abdomen through which feces pass out
of the body to be collected in a special bag attached to the body.
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 layers of the body and partly from the intestine. Two ring-like muscles,
called sphincter muscles, open and close the anal opening to let stool pass out
of the body. The anal canal, the part of the anus between the rectum and the
anal opening, is about 1½ inches long.
The skin around the outside of the anus is called the perianal area. Tumors
in this area are skin tumors, not anal cancer.
Being infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV) can affect the risk of
developing anal cancer.
Rectal bleeding (hematochezia) refers to the passage of bright red blood from the anus. Rectal bleeding may be moderate to severe and most bleeding comes from the colon, rectum, or anus. Common causes include anal fissures, hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, and more.
Colon cancer is a malignancy that arises from the inner lining of the colon. Most, if not all, of these cancers develop from colonic polyps. Removal of these precancerous polyps can prevent colon cancer.
Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs,
are infections that are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure,
including intercourse (vaginal or anal), oral sex, and the sharing of sexual
devices, such as vibrators. Women can contract all of the STDs, but may have no symptoms, or have different symptoms than men do.
An anal fissure is a small tear or cut in the skin lining of the anus. Pain and/or rectal bleeding during bowel movements are common symptoms of anal fissures. Treatment involves increasing liquid intake, using stool softeners and avoiding foods that may not be well-digested.
Itching can be a common problem. Itches can be localized or generalized. There are many causes of itching to include: infection (jock itch, vaginal itch), disease (hyperthyroidism, liver or kidney), reactions to drugs, and skin infestations (pubic or body lice). Treatment for itching varies depending on the cause of the itch.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. HPV is primarily transmitted by sexual contact. While some people develop warts in the genital region after infection, others experience no symptoms. Though genital warts can be removed, there is no cure for HPV infection. There is a vaccine to prevent infection from four common HPV types.
Cancer is a disease caused by an abnormal growth of cells, also called malignancy. It is a group of 100 different diseases, and is not contagious. Cancer can be treated through chemotherapy, a treatment of drugs that destroy cancer cells.
Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infections that are transmitted during any
type of sexual exposure, including intercourse (vaginal or anal), oral sex, and
the sharing of sexual devices, such as vibrators. Although treatment exists for many STDs, others currently are
usually incurable, such as those caused by HIV, HPV, hepatitis B and C, and HHV-8.
Smoking is an addiction. More than 430,000 deaths occur each year in the U.S. from smoking related illnesses. Secondhand smoke or "passive smoke" also harm family members, coworkers, and others around smokers. There are a number of techniques available to assist people who want to quit smoking.
The HPV virus (genital warts) in men can cause health problems. Genital warts are confined primarily to the moist skin of the genitals or around the anus. Genital warts are caused by the human papillomaviruses (HPVs), which are transmitted through sexual contact.
Though it's difficult to say why some people develop cancer while others don't, research shows that certain risk factors increase a person's odds of developing cancer. These risk factors include growing older, family history of cancer, diet, alcohol and tobacco use, and exposure to sunlight, ionizing radiation, certain chemicals, and some viruses and bacteria.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to examine the rectum and the lower (sigmoid) colon. The flexible sigmoidoscope is a flexible tube 60 cm long and about the thickness of your little finger. It is inserted gently into the anus and advanced slowly into the rectum and the lower colon. It is an accurate and simple method of investigating the cause of rectal bleeding, change in bowel habit, and rectal symptoms such as pain and diarrhea. Flexible sigmoidoscopy also is a part of colon screening and surveillance for colon cancer.
What is the preparation for flexible sigmoidoscopy?
In order to obtain accurate results, the rectum and the lower colon must be completely clean of stool. Your doctor will give you detailed instructions on how to cleanse your colon. In general, this requires the use of one or two enemas prior to the procedure and may also call for a laxative and some dietar...
The treatment of cancer of the anus is different than the treatment of cancers around the anus. True anal cancers arise from the lining cells of the anus, the last portion of the gastrointestinal tract after the rectum. Cancers that arise outside of the anus in the skin are termed perianal skin cancers or anal margin cancers. These are treated as skin cancers and not as true anal cancers.
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