Signs of Anal Cancer

According to the American Cancer society, around 8,590 people will be diagnosed with anal cancer in the US this year. While it might seem frightening, anal cancer is highly treatable, especially in its early stages; you just have to know what to look for, and when to go to the doctor. 

Colon and Rectal Surgeons of Greater Hartford has three locations, in Bloomfield, South Windsor, and Plainville, Connecticut. The doctors and surgeons at CRSGR can help identify anal cancer, explain your options, and help you determine the treatment plan that works for you and your family. 

What you need to know about anal cancer

Not all types of anal cancer are the same. Cancer is often a broad term, and the presence of cancerous cells doesn't always mean that your life is in danger. Some types of cancer just require you and your doctor to be vigilant of any changes. 

There are a few types of tumors, including. 

• Benign tumors. These are noncancerous, and can include skin tags, warts, and polyps. 
• Squamous cell carcinoma. 9 out of 10 cases of anal cancer are caused by squamous cells. 
• Bowen’s disease. This is squamous cell carcinoma that hasn't invaded the deeper layers of tissue. 
• Basal cell carcinoma. This is a form of skin cancer that rarely occurs in the anus, but is not impossible to find. 
• Adenocarcinoma. This cancer originates from the glands surrounding the anus. 
• Precancerous conditions. These are conditions that are not cancerous right now, but they might become malignant later if not treated. 

Depending on what type of anal cancer you have, your treatment plan might be different from someone else's. Your doctor can help you go over your options and what to expect from treatment if you pursue it. 

How to identify anal cancer

Symptoms of anal cancer might include: 

• Pain in the anus or rectum
• Trouble going to the restroom
• Rectal bleeding
• Itching in or around the anus 
• Lumps in the anal canal

The symptoms of anal cancer can vary from person to person, and they can be innocuous enough that you mistake it for another issue. That’s why seeking help from a doctor is important; detecting anal cancer early can improve your treatment outcome. 

What are my options? 

Before choosing any kind of treatment for anal cancer, you and your doctor will discuss the state of your cancer and what options are available for your particular case. Standard treatments include anything from surgery to chemotherapy and radiation. Radiosensitizers and immunotherapy are currently in the clinical trial stage.

The decision to pursue treatment is entirely up to you. If surgery is the best option, the doctors at Colon and Rectal Surgeons of Greater Hartford will explain the process and give you the insight and care you need to make the healthiest recovery possible. 

If you have recently been diagnosed with anal cancer, or suspect that there might be a problem, get in touch with the doctors and surgeons of CRSGH by calling the location closest to you or by booking an appointment online.