Note: The information on cancer types on the ACRF website is not designed to provide medical or professional advice and is for information only. If you have any health problems or questions please consult your doctor.
Anal Cancer is a disease which forms in the tissue cells of the anus. The anus is the end of the large intestine, below the rectum, through which stool leaves the body. It is formed partly from the outer skin layers of the body and partly from the intestine. The anal canal – the part of the anus between the rectum and the anal opening – is about 3.8cm long.
Most anal cancers are Squamous Cell Cancers. Squamous cells are a type of cell that line the surface of the anal canal. Adenocarcinoma of the anus is a rare type of anal cancer which affects the mucus that coats the stool.
The skin around the outside of the anus is called the perianal area. Tumours in this area are skin tumours, not anal cancer.
Common symptoms for anal cancer include:
There are a number of conditions that may cause these symptoms. If any of these symptoms are experienced, it is important that they are discussed with a doctor.
In order to successfully diagnose anal cancer the following tests and procedures may be used:
Different types of treatments are available for patients with anal cancer. The most common are; surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Surgery options include:
440
is the estimated incidence of anal cancer in 2018.
67.1%
is the estimated 5 year survival rate for anal cancer in 2018.
Together we can change the statistics and outsmart cancer for good
REFERENCES
Cancer in Australia 2017, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
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