Sunday, February 20, 2011

Infomation About Anal Cancer

Taking into consideration the annual rates at which people, men and women, have contracted anal cancer over the past several years, medical statistics indicate that there will be over five thousand more cases diagnosed this year. While this is a large number of people, in comparison to other forms of cancer, this cancer is considered rare.

Before we go any further, let's define exactly what anal cancer is. This cancer develops in the area of the anus, which is part of the gastrointestinal tract. It is that part of the body from which fecal matter is discharged from the body when one has a bowel movement

It is also important to know that even though we use the term anal cancer to identify several different kinds of cancer, this cancer is indeed not just one form of cancer but several. This kind of cancer is determined by the kind of cell from which it is developed.

The most common form of anal cancer is that which is called squamous cell carcinoma. This kind of cancer develops in the outer lining of the anal canal.

Cloacogenic carcinoma is a form of anal cancer which is quite similar to squamous cell carcinoma. It is found between the outer part of the anus and the lower part of the rectum.

This form of cancer known as adenocarcinoma develops from the mucous glands which are located under the anal lining.

The last two forms of anal cancer are different from the others in that they are skin cancers. The first is basal cell carcinoma. This form of cancer develops in the skin around the anus.

The second form of anal cancer which is a skin cancer is known as melanoma and it forms in the cells of the skin or the anal lining that darkens the skin.

The symptoms which appear which might indicate some form of this cancer are bleeding from the anal area, pain and/or pressure in the anal area, itching from the anus, discharge from the anus, a lump or a swelling near the anus, a change in bowel habits or some sort of change in the size of the fecal matter.

Please keep in mind, if a person experiences one or even all of these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean that they have this cancer. They may be an indication of something completely different. But they are an indication that a visit to one's doctor is indicated.

There are different ways in which anal cancer are treated, depending upon the type and on the stage which it has reached. Some times doctors will advise surgery, usually followed by radiation and chemotherapy, some times radiation and chemotherapy without surgery. The doctors will help and advise, but the final decision will be up to the patient.

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