Anal cancer

What is it?

This condition is when there is uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the anus (the anus is the end of the large intestine, through which the faeces leaves the body).

The anus has many different cells to help lubricate the anal canal (the path which faeces leaves) to ease bowel movements and its these cells that can turn cancerous or noncancerous or turn from non- cancerous to cancerous over a period of time, hence it is important to determine the right location of the lump.

Diagnostic tests

Cytology screening
Immediate referral to high-resolution anoscopy is reserved for abnormal cytology results indicating possible high-grade lesions.
HPV (hrHPV) testing used in certain cases
Digital anal rectal examination is a supplementary screening method that should be conducted at every screening visit immediately after collecting samples for cytology and/or hrHPV testing.

One should have repeated tests for anal cancer every 12 months

Cause

Weakened immune system
Human papillomavirus virus (HPV-16)
H.I.V/A.I.D.S
Leukoplakia – condition in which one or more white patches or spots (lesions) forms in the anal region that cannot be brushed off.
History of cervical cancer
History of Vaginal cancer
Single or Multiple sexual partners who do anal sex
Frequent anal redness, swelling, and soreness (long term haemorrhoids)
Abnormal anal openings (fistulas)

Syndromes

Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome Type 1

Medication

Long term use of steroid medication

Source: http://www.differencebetween.net

Source: Medthical

Symptoms

Rectal bleeding?
Itching in the anal area?
Pain in the anal area?
Blood and mucus in faeces?
Change in size of bowel movements (stool may become more narrow)?
Lump near the anus?
Swollen lymph nodes (lumps) in the anal/groin area?
Lump sticking out in abdomen region?
Loss of bowel control – can’t hold going to the toilet to excrete faeces (bowel incontinence)?
Change in bowel habits/movement greater than three weeks i.e. going to the toilet more often or less often than usual?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have or develop:

Fournier’s gangrene symptoms:

Severe genital pain, redness, and swelling, often out of proportion to visible injury plus fever, lethargy, and malaise?
Rapidly progressing to skin discoloration (dusky/bluish)?
Foul odour, skin blistering, and tissue death (gangrene)?

H.I.V Test

A H.I.V test should be offered if one has this condition.

This condition may have similar symptoms to:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Anal cancer in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

Medical News Today
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Medscape (Professional level)
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Healthline
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EveryDay Health
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Pharmaceutical Journal (Professional level)
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NHS
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WebMD
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Cleveland Clinic
Pushing the Standards of care.
Mayo Clinic
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Drugs.com
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National Organisation of Rare Diseases
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Verywell Health
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Nathnac
Travel health guidance for health professionals advising travellers and for travellers going overseas from the UK.
DR Axe
Health and fitness news. Recipes, Natural Remedies
Better health - NHS
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