Anal cancer, also known as anal cancer, is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the anal canal. The anal canal is the area where stool leaves the body and is located at the end of the rectum, which is the closest part of the large intestine to the anus (external opening). It has a short tube-shaped structure. Cancer may develop due to the transformation of cells in the anal canal into an abnormal form by genetic mutation. Changes may occur in these functions of cells that develop normally, grow at a certain rate and then die. Tumor formation may occur over time due to the non-death and accumulation of abnormal cells. If the resulting tumors are malignant, this is called cancer.
What Causes Anal Cancer?
Anus cancer can develop under the influence of genetic factors, as well as triggered by some lifestyle and environmental factors. Age is one of the factors that increase the risk of anal cancer. It is more common in people over 50 years of age. Another factor that increases the risk of rectal cancer is the high number of sexual partners. The basis of this situation may be the close relationship between rectal cancer and HPV virus. HPV, with its full name, human papillomavirus, is a virus that increases the risk of anal cancer or cervical cancer. HPV, a sexually transmitted virus, is frequently detected in people with rectal cancer. Except for age and HPV connection; Having anal intercourse, smoking and having cancer in the past are other factors that increase the risk of anal cancer. Using immunosuppressive drugs used in the treatment of different diseases may also increase the risk of developing anal cancer.
Behaviors such as having sexual intercourse with protection, getting HPV vaccine and staying away from smoking are some of the precautions that can be taken to protect against anal cancer. Keeping in mind that early diagnosis is important, the risk of rectal cancer can be evaluated by having a colonoscopy, especially after the age of 50. Breech cancer can be detected early by colonoscopy.
Anescal Cancer Symptoms
Anus cancer may present with different symptoms. If one or more of these symptoms are experienced, a doctor should be consulted. dr. Symptoms of rectal cancer include the following symptoms:
- Anus pain and burning sensation
- Anus pain only
- Anus swelling
- Anus itching
- Bleeding in the rectum
Diagnosis and Diagnosis of Anus Cancer
People who apply to a doctor with pain in the rectum are subjected to various tests for diagnosis. If your doctor needs it, different diagnostic methods are used to determine whether the patient has rectal cancer. As a result of the examinations, a diagnosis is made and if cancer is detected, the necessary treatment planning is made. The following tests are used for the diagnosis of anal cancer:
- Anal Canal and Rectum Examination: This examination is performed by the doctor. During the general examination, the doctor performs a digital anal and rectal examination. It is determined whether there is any structural change in the anal part and the rectum with gloves and a solution finger. It is observed if there is an unusual situation.
- Ultrasoundography: Ultrasound, which provides imaging with high-energy sound waves, is also a method used in the diagnosis of rectal cancer. The probe, which looks like a thick thermometer, is inserted into the anal region. It provides visualization of the region with ultrasonic sound waves. The ultrasound waves that bounce off the tissues and organs allow the examination of tissue formation in the region.
- Biopsy: Determine whether there is cancer cell formation and make a definitive diagnosis. Biopsy procedures are used to fix it. Biopsy is the process of taking a piece of tissue from a suspicious tissue or organ. The tissue taken with the necessary analysis methods is examined. It is the most effective diagnostic method in diagnosing cancer.
Anescal Cancer Stages
After the diagnosis of cancer, the stage of the cancer is determined. Treatment planning is made according to the cancer stage. The dosage and number of treatment to be administered are determined. Various letters and numbers are used to define the cancer stage. T, N, M indicate whether the cancer has metastasized or not, while the numbers from 0 to 4 indicate the cancer stage. The situations represented by the numbers and letters used for the stages of breech cancer are as follows:
- T: The letter T is used to indicate the size of the developing tumor.
- N: Indicates the spread of cancer to the surrounding lymph nodes .
- M: Indicates whether the cancer has metastasized and spread to other organs or tissues.
- 0: Indicates that there is cancer only in the uppermost layer of the anus region. It is the very beginning of cancer development.
- 1: Indicates that the cancer has not spread beyond the anus and that there is tumor growth less than 2 centimeters.
- 2: Tumors are larger than 2 centimeters but have not spread.
- 3: Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
- 4: Cancer has metastasized and spread to other nearby areas or to other tissues of the body.
Break Cancer Treatment
The treatment method in the treatment of rectal cancer is determined according to the stage of the cancer, the general health of the patient and his preferences. If the patient accepts the treatment, chemotherapy, radiotherapy (radiation therapy) or anal cancer surgery treatments are applied.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a form of drug treatment. Chemotherapy drugs are administered directly into the vein or orally in pill form. The drugs quickly It takes part in killing the living cells. While this is an effective cancer treatment, it brings with it side effects such as hair loss, nausea and vomiting.
- Radiotherapy (Radiation Therapy): Radiation therapy uses high-powered rays such as X-rays and protons. Usually, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are used together. Radiation beams are aimed at killing cancer cells. Since it is a powerful treatment, in some cases the tissues around the cancerous area may be damaged.
- Surgery: In case of small tumors, the tumors can be removed by surgery. The procedure can be completed without damaging the anal sphincter muscles that control bowel movements. After surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy can be applied. For patients who do not respond to chemotherapy, a more extensive operation, abdominoperineal resection, can be applied. With this surgery, the anal canal, rectum and part of the colon are removed.
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