Anal Cancer Treatment

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Anal cancer is an uncommon type of cancer that occurs in the anal canal. The anal canal is a short tube at the end of your rectum through which stool leaves your body. Anal cancer can cause signs … Read More

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Anal Cancer Treatment

Anal cancer is an uncommon type of cancer that occurs in the anal canal. The anal canal is a short tube at the end of your rectum through which stool leaves your body.

Anal cancer can cause signs and symptoms such as rectal bleeding and anal pain. Most people with anal cancer are treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation. Though combining anal cancer treatments increases the chance of a cure, the combined treatments also increase the risk of side effects.

Symptoms

Anal cancer signs and symptoms include:

• Bleeding from the anus or rectum
• Pain in the area of the anus
• A mass or growth in the anal canal
• Anal itching

Causes

Anal cancer forms when a genetic mutation turns normal, healthy cells into abnormal cells. Healthy cells grow and multiply at a set rate, eventually dying at a set time. Abnormal cells grow and multiply out of control, and they don't die. The accumulating abnormal cells form a mass (tumor). Cancer cells invade nearby tissues and can separate from an initial tumor to spread elsewhere in the body (metastasize).

Anal cancer is closely related to a sexually transmitted infection called human papillomavirus (HPV). Evidence of HPV is detected in the majority of anal cancers. HPV is thought to be the most common cause of anal cancers.

FAQ

What are the types of anal cancer treatment?
The two most common types of treatment include radiation therapy and chemotherapy or a combination of these two. Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill the cancerous cells whereas radiation therapy is the use of radioactive waves tho kill the cancerous cells.

How long it will be before I return to work after anal cancer treatment?
It usually takes around 2 to 3 weeks to recover and to be able to work again. It also depends on the individual’s immunity and unexpected complications which may delay the recovery time.

Can I eat spicy food after anal cancer treatment?
Spicy and hot food should be avoided after anal cancer treatment. It burns the walls of the rectum which in-turn can lead to increased pain and discomfort. Hence eat soft foods and whole wheat grains like whole wheat, brown rice. Drink plenty of fluids as well.

Factors affecting anal cancer treatment?
Some of the factors which may affect the treatment include age, immunity of the person, severity of the cancer, diet and the type of treatment.

What is the difference between hemorrhoids and anal cancer?
In hemorrhoids, the common symptoms include itching in the anal area and can be visually seen during the examination whereas in anal cancer, there is no itching and the diagnosis has to be confirmed by doing a biopsy.

Factors affecting anal cancer treatment?
Some of the factors which may affect the treatment include age, immunity of the person, severity of the cancer, diet and the type of treatment.

What is the diet to be followed after anal cancer treatment?
In hemorrhoids, the common symptoms include itching in the anal area and can be visually seen during the examination whereas in anal cancer, there is no itching and the diagnosis has to be confirmed by doing a biopsy.

Who are more prone to anal cancer?
Older people(age above 50 years), smokers, people with multiple sexual partners, people exposed to a specific virus(Human Papilloma Virus), people who have had cancers before are more prone to get anal cancer.