A tumor in the anal canal is anal carcinoma or anal cancer . The stool exits the body through a small canal at the end of the rectum called the anal canal.

Symptoms Of Anal Cancer –

• Bleeding from the rectum or anus
• Localized pain in anal area
• A lump or any abnormal development in the anal canal
• Anal scratching

Causes

In Anal Cancer, genetic mutations turns healthy normal cells into deformed malignant cells. Uncontrolled growth and multiplication of abnormal cells prevents their death. As the abnormal cells build up, a mass of them forms a node (tumor). Cancerous cells can spread throughout the body by separating from an initial tumor and invading surrounding tissues (metastasize).

Human papillomavirus, a sexually transmitted disease and this cancer have a tight relationship (HPV). A majority of anal malignancies show HPV-related evidence. HPV is the most common cause of anal malignancies.

Risk Elements

• Human Papilloma Virus (HPV): This virus increases the chances of having cancers like cervical and anal cancer. HPV infection may attract genital warts as well.
• Age: Adults, aged 50 and older account for the majority of this cancer cases.
• Multiple Sexual Partners: Those who have several sexual partners throughout the course of their lives are more prone to develop cancer.
• Anal Sex: This cancer risk is higher in those who have receptive anal intercourse.
• Smoking: The chance of developing this cancer may rise if a person smoke cigarette.
• Cancer History: A higher risk of this cancer exists in people who have had cervical, vulvar, or vaginal cancer.
• Illnesses Or Medications That Lower Your Immunological Response: Immunosuppressive medication users, including those who have undergone organ transplantation, may be at higher risk for developing this cancer. The HIV virus, which causes AIDS, weakens the immune system, and raises the risk of developing this cancer.

Complications

Rarely does anal carcinoma “metastasize” (spread to distant parts of the body). Liver and lungs are the most typical organs where anal cancer metastasizes.

Prevention

. To lessen your chance of getting anal carcinoma we must ensure:

• Sex Should Be Safer: Engaging in safe sex prevents the risk of anal carcinoma. HPV and HIV, two sexually transmitted diseases that may raise risk of anal carcinoma, . Use condoms if you choose to engage in anal sex.
• Get An HPV Vaccination: There is a vaccine that can guard against HPV infection. Vaccination ensure safety at large.
• Quit Smoking: Your risk of anal cancer rises if you smoke. Avoid starting to smoke. If you currently smoke, stop.

Treatment Of Anal Cancer

Anal cancer patients receives radiation and chemotherapy (in combination) to cure along with the danger side effects.

Doctors routinely mix radiation therapy and chemotherapy to treat anal carcinoma. These combination of treatments assist in cure.

• Chemotherapy: The drugs for chemotherapy can be taken orally or intravenously. Chemotherapy helps in killing bad cancer cell rapidly and effect good cells too. The side effects of this includes nausea, vomiting and hair loss.
• Radiation Treatment: X-rays and protons (Hi Powered Beams), are used in radiation therapy to kill cancer cells. In radiation treatment, a big machine moves around patient’s body, radiation beams are focused to certain parts of body to target anal carcinoma.

Targeted radiation beams could be harmful for healthy tissue. Possible adverse effects include skin redness, ulcers on and around the anus, rigidity, and constriction of the anal canal. For five to six weeks, a patient normally receives radiation therapy. Depending on the features of the cancer and patient’s general health, the doctor customizes the treatment plan.