Anal Cancer
Definition
Cancer from within the anal canal
Causes
Unknown, although there are several risk factors including HPV infection, genital warts, and immunosuppression.
Symptoms
Most commonly, patients have blood in there stool, anal irritation and drainage. Occasionally, if advanced patients may have weight loss and pelvic pain.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis depends on physical exam, biopsy and typically imaging. Depending on the precise location and stage, treatment options include surgical excision or ablation, although the main treatment modality is radiations combined with chemotherapy, labeled the Nigro protocol. This has a high rate of success. It is important for patients that have been treated to have close follow up.
Visit the American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons website for more information