Anal Cancer Samples
Anal Cancer Overview
The Anus
The anus is part of the gastrointestinal tract. It is the opening at the end of the large intestine, below the rectum, where bowel movements leave the body.
Precancer and anal cancer
Types of Anal Cancer
- Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of anal cancer. This type of cancer begins in the outer lining of the anal canal.
- Cloacogenic carcinoma accounts for about 25% of all anal cancers. Anal cancer arises between the outer part of the anus and the lower part of the rectum. Cloacogenic cell cancer likely starts from cells that are similar to squamous cell cancer, and it is treated similarly.
- Adenocarcinoma arises from the glands that make mucous located under the anal lining.
- Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that can appear in the perianal (around the anus) skin.
- Melanoma begins in cells that produce color found in the skin or anal lining.
Signs and Symptoms of Anal Cancer
- Bleeding from the anal area
- Pain or pressure in the anal area
- Itching or discharge from the anus
- A lump or swelling near the anus
- A change in bowel habits or change in the diameter of the stool
Risk Factors of Anal Cancer
Following risk factors may raise a person’s risk of developing anal cancer:
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection: Research shows that infection with this virus is a risk factor for anal cancer. Sexual activity with someone who has Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common way someone gets Human papillomavirus (HPV). There are different types of Human papillomavirus (HPV), called strains. Research links some Human papillomavirus (HPV) strains more strongly with certain types of cancers. There are vaccines available to protect you from some Human papillomavirus (HPV) strains.
- Age: Most patients diagnosed with anal cancer are between age 50 years and 80 years old.
- Frequent anal irritation: Frequent anal redness, swelling, and soreness may increase the risk of developing anal cancer.
- Anal fistula: Anal fistula is an abnormal tunnel between the anal canal and the outer skin of the anus. The tunnel often drains pus or liquid, which can soil or stain clothing. An anal fistula may irritate the outer tissues or cause discomfort. An anal fistula may increase the risk of developing anal cancer.
- Cigarette smoking: Smoking tobacco can cause harm throughout the body. Chemicals from the smoke can enter the bloodstream and affect nearly every organ and tissue in the body. Smokers are about eight times more likely to develop anal cancer than nonsmokers.
- Lowered immunity: Patients with a disease or condition affecting the immune system, such as human immunodeficiency (HIV) or organ transplantation, are more likely to develop anal cancer. Patients who take immunosuppressive drugs that make the immune system less able to fight disease are also more likely to develop anal cancer.
Diagnosis of Anal Cancer
Following diagnostics tests may be performed in addition to the patients physical examination to diagnose anal cancer:
- Digital rectal examination (DRE): During this test, the doctor inserts a gloved finger into the anus to feel for lumps or other abnormalities. General cancer guidelines suggest men have a DRE annually after the age of 50 and women have one during routine pelvic examinations. If you are at higher risk for developing anal cancer, your doctor may perform a DRE more often.
- Anoscopy: If the doctor feels a suspicious area during a DRE, this endoscopic test may be performed to take a closer look at the area. An anoscopy allows the doctor to see inside the body with a thin, lighted, flexible tube called an anoscope. Similarly, a proctoscope can be used to view the rectum in a procedure called a proctoscopy. The patient may be sedated as the tube is inserted into the anus or rectum.
- Biopsy: A biopsy is the removal of a small amount of tissue for examination under a microscope. Other tests can suggest that cancer is present, but only a biopsy can make a definite confirmed diagnosis. A pathologist then analyzes the sample(s). A pathologist is a doctor who specializes in interpreting laboratory tests and evaluating cells, tissues, and organs to diagnose disease. The type of biopsy performed will depend on the location of the tumor. For instance, an excisional biopsy can remove the entire lump if the lump is small and has not grown into other tissues. Lymph nodes may also be removed and examined in a biopsy.
- Ultrasound: An ultrasound uses sound waves to create a picture of the internal organs. In an anal ultrasound, an ultrasound wand is inserted into the anus to get the pictures.
- X-ray: An x-ray is way to create a picture of the structures inside of the body using a small amount of radiation.
- Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan: A CT scan takes pictures of the inside of the body using x-rays taken from different angles. A computer then combines these pictures into a detailed, 3-dimensional or 3-D image that shows any abnormalities or tumors. A CT scan can also be used to measure the tumor’s size. Sometimes, a special dye called a contrast medium is given before the scan to provide better detail on the image. This dye can be injected into a patient’s vein or given as a pill or liquid to swallow.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI uses magnetic fields, not x-rays, to produce detailed images of the body. A special dye called a contrast medium is given before the scan to create a clearer picture. This dye can be injected into a patient’s vein or given as a pill or liquid to swallow.
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan: A PET scan is usually combined with a CT scan, called a PET-CT scan. A PET scan is a way to create pictures of organs and tissues inside the body. A small amount of a radioactive sugar substance is injected into the patient’s body. This sugar substance is taken up by cells that use the most energy. Because cancer tends to use energy actively, it absorbs more of the radioactive substance. A scanner then detects this substance to produce images of the inside of the body.
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