Complete Information on Anal cancer with Treatment and Prevention

Anal cancer is a uncommon form of cancer that occurs in the anus. There are amny other risk factors for Anal cancer. Anus is the opening at the end of the rectum around which body waste passes. The skin around the outside of the anus is called the perianal area. Tumors in this area are skin tumors, not anal cancer.

Cancer in the outer part of the anus is more likely to occur in men, cancer of the inner part of the rectum is more likely to occur in women. Having multiple sex partners or having anal sex, due to the increased risk of exposure to the HPV virus. Current smokers are several times more likely to develop anal cancer compared with nonsmokers. Inflammation resulting from benign analy retarted, such as hemorrhoids and anal fistulas, has been considered to cause a predisposition to anal cancer. Anal cancer is usually a disease of the older population. Anal cancer is typically a squamous cell carcinoma that arises near the squamocolumnar junction.

The rate of infection of HPV is increased in patients with HIV even if they do not engage in anal receptive intercourse and do not have evidence of suppression of their immune system. Currently, anal cancer is not considered an AIDS defining illness. However, frequently, patients who have been newly diagnosed with anal cancer are tested for HIV if they have other risk factors for infection with HIV. Although there appears to be an increased rate of anal cancer in patients who have benign anal conditions such as anal fistulae, anal fissures, perianal abscesses, or hemorrhoids, it does not appear that these benign conditions are a cause of anal cancer. Some basics of anal cancer cause no symptoms at all. But bleeding occurs in more than half of patients and is usually the first sign of the disease.

Pain or lumps in the anal area may be a symptom. Anal itching and discharge can also be signs of anal cancer. At first, most people assume that hemorrhoids are the cause of their bleeding.

Itching can also be a symptom. Occasionally, patients have the sensation of having a mass in the anus and may experience itching or anal discharge. In certain patients, these symptoms may be associated with the presence of warts in the anal region. Rarely, in advanced cases, anal cancers can disrupt the function of the anal muscles, resulting in loss of control of bowel movements.

There are a number of benign conditions, such as hemorrhoids, fissures, or anal warts that can cause similar symptoms. But if any of the signs or symptoms of anal cancer are present, discuss them with your doctor without delay. There are treatments present for all patients with anal cancer. Like most cancers, anal cancer is best treated when it is found early. Possible treatments include radiation, chemotherapy and surgery. Your treatment will depend whether the tumor has spread, and on the type, size and location of the tumor.

Surgery is a common way to diagnose and treat anal cancer. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be taken by pill, or it may be put into the body by a needle in a vein or muscle. Radiation therapy uses x-rays or other high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body or from putting materials that produce radiation through thin plastic tubes in the area where the cancer cells are found.

Radiation can be used alone or in addition to other treatments.

Juliet Cohen writes articles for health doctor. She also writes articles for haircut styles and beauty tips.