Anal Cancer - Adenocarcinoma - Basal Cell Carcinoma - Squamous Cell Carcinoma - Squamous Cell - Carcinoma - Squamous

The specific cause of anal cancer is not known. Anal cancer only represents only 1% of all reported cancer cases. In 2009, there were 5,290 new cases of anal cancer and approximately 790 annual deaths from anal cancer. Research on anal cancer is done less than other cancers but there are a few known risk factors associated with anal cancer.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV): Having this virus is associated with anal cancer because the type of tissue found inside the anus is squamous cell. cancer of the squamous is known to be caused by HPV. There are many subtypes of human papilloma virus out there and the ones that are most closely associated with anal cancer are HPV-16. HPV-16, as well as HPV-18, HPV-31, HPV-33, and HPV-45. Collectively, these subtypes of HPV are known as the high risk human papilloma viruses. HPV is classified as a sexually transmitted infection and are known to cause genital warts. However, most people with HPV do not have genital warts as a symptom.

HIV infection: People who have human immunodeficiency virus, the virus that causes AIDS, are known to be at a much higher risk of getting anal cancer. Drug treatments of HIV have helped reduce the occurrence of many HIV related disease but they have not affected the cancer rates in these patients.

Sex: An increased risk of anal cancer has been reported in those who have multiple partners and also have unprotected sex. This also increases the chances of getting both HPV and HIV. Receptive anal intercourse has also been linked to anal cancer in both men and women. People younger than 30 years old are at a greater risk.

Smoking: The deadly cocktail of harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke enters through the blood stream and affects the entire body. Current smokers are at a greater risk of getting anal cancer. Quitting can help reduce this risk.

Compromised Immune system: People who have a compromised immune system includes people with HIV, AIDS, and people who have had organ transplants. Also, some drugs suppress the immune system as a side effect. All of these people have a greater risk of getting anal cancer

Chronic anal inflammation: Those who have chronic open sores on the anus or inflammation of the anus are at an increased risk of getting cancer of the anus.

Pelvic Radiation: People who have undergone extensive radiation in the pelvic region are at a significant risk of getting anal cancer.

Types Of Anal Cancer: There are many different types of anal //www.saygeneral.com">cancer. Many of these cancers are similar to the types of cancer found in the vagina, urethra, and bladder. Some of these tumors are benign, or non-cancerous. Often these tumors are treated in the same manner as anal cancer because they can turn into cancer in time. Warts, skin tags, and small flaps of skin that hang loose from the body are considered benign tumors as well. There are 5 different types of anal cancer that could appear on the anus.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This type of anal http://www.saygeneral.com">cancer is by far the most common in the United States, representing 80% of all cases of anal cancer. This type of cancer begins in the lower part of the anus. It is most often found in the anal canal but could also be found on the anal verge. The lining of the anus and the skin of the anus is composed primarily of squamous cells. Squamous cells are flat and plate-shaped and form connective tissues in the body. During the earliest stages of development, it is known as a carcinoma in situ (CIS) meaning that the malignant growth has yet to penetrate deep into the squamous cells of the anal lining. Carcinoma in situ is a type of precancerous tumor. When the tumor grows deeper into the tissue, it is then considered invasive. There is one subtype of squamous cell carcinoma, it is called cloacogenic carcinoma because its origins begin in a part of the anus called the cloaca.

Adenocarcinoma: Some anal w.saygeneral.com">cancers start in the glands found near the anus. This type of cancer is known as adenocarcinoma. Paget disease is a type of adenocarcinoma that found on the anus that originates in the subcutaneous glands near the anus and eventually manifests as a tumor on the skin's surface. This cancer is not to be confused with the bone disease of the same name.

Skin Cancers: Skin f="http://www.saygeneral.com">cancers can be found in the anal region as well. Only about 1 percent of all anal cancers are some type of skin cancer due to lack of UV radiation on the anus. Basel cell melanomas are extremely rare on the anus. Melanomas are slightly more common and can be dangerous because they can resemble hemorrhoids, inducing a potentially fatal misdiagnosis. Most anal melanomas are diagnosed in late stages as a result.

Gastrointestinal stoma tumors: Gastrointestinal stoma tumors are more commonly found on the stomach or the intestines. They rarely manifest as a type of anal w.saygeneral.com">cancer. When these tumors are found at an early stage, they can easily be surgically removed. In the case that they are found at a later stage, they are more often treated with drugs.

Anal Cancer Treatment: All anal w.saygeneral.com">cancer patients are able to get treatment. There are many options to choose from in the treatment of anal cancer. Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are the widely accepted forms of anal cancer treatment while other types of treatment are generally considered experimental or alternative treatments. The choice of treatment depends on the stage, location, and size of the tumor. The choice takes into account the patient's age, personal preference, and general health. The three main treatments available are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Surgery used to be the only treatment option available but research has shown the others to be as effective, if not more effective.

Surgery: Surgery is no longer the preferred treatment option involved in the treatment of anal cancer. However, it is sometimes necessary when a patient does not respond well to radiation therapy or chemotherapy. There are two different surgeries commonly performed in the treatment of anal cancer: local resection and abdominoperineal resection.

Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy performed through the utilization of high energy beams to slow growth of tumors. Radiation therapy can also be performed to shrink or destroy cancer cells. There are two treatment options in radiation therapy, brachytherapy and the more common external beam radiation therapy. This treatment option is not commonly performed alone.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy utilizes a combination of drugs to target cancer cells. Unfortunately, the side effects of these drugs are unpleasant. Recent improvements in chemotherapy have helped to mitigate side effects and improve overall effectiveness.

Clinical trials: This treatment option varies to a high degree. They are carefully controlled experimental trials in cancer research. This treatment option lead to a breakthrough in anal cancer treatment for all but has its own set of risks. This choice should be made when other choices have been exhausted.

Treatment choices by stage: Surgery is recommended for earlier stage cancers. This is a viable treatment option for stage 1 anal cancer when the tumor is small enough to have the surgery performed without the prospect of severe damage to the sphincter. Stage 2 anal cancer has more of a chance of colostomy if surgery is chosen. Therefore, chemotherapy with radiation therapy (chemoradiation) is a better choice. Chemoradiation has been clinically proven to be as good if not better than surgery in the treatment of stage 2 anal cancers. For stage 3A and 3B anal cancers, Chemoradiation is the best first treatment. If that treatment does not yield a favorable response, abdominoperineal resection may be necessary. Stage 4 anal cancers are not considered curable. At this advanced stage of anal cancer, the cancer has spread to vital organs. Doctors focus on the alleviation of symptoms if cancer is found at the this stage. The three main treatment options are also an option but success is unlikely. This patient might want to consider participating in a clinical trial in this case.