Cancerous cells in the anus are called anal cancer. The anus is found at the end of the bowel. It helps move stool out of the body.
Often, anal cancers start in the inner lining of the anus or mucosa and are called squamous cell carcinoma. Other types of anal cancers include:
Staging is a way to find out how extensive the cancer is, how far it has spread, and what treatment can be used. Anal cancer can spread to other parts of the body through the tissue, lymph, and blood systems. Your provider will have you get a few tests to figure out the stage of your cancer and if it has spread. For anal cancers, these tests may include:
Physical Exam: This is a general exam to look at your body and to talk about past health issues. This will include an exam of the anal canal and rectum (digital rectal exam). At times, an anal Pap test may be done to look for HPV (human papillomavirus).
Imaging: Radiology tests can look inside your body at the cancer and see if it has spread. These tests can include:
Procedures: Each case of anal cancer is different. Talk with your care team about which procedures you may need. These may include:
Anal cancer is staged using the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system. It uses the TNM system and gives your cancer a stage from 0 (called carcinoma-in-situ) through stage IV (4).
Often, anal cancer is treated with surgery. There are two surgical procedures used to treat anal cancer, depending on your stage and situation, including:
As with any surgery, there are risks and possible side effects. These can be:
Side effects that are specific to an abdominoperineal resection include:
Recovery from anal cancer surgery depends on the procedure you had. If you had an abdominoperineal resection, a hospital stay is needed. You will be taught how to care for your incision before leaving the hospital.
Your medical team will discuss with you the medications you will be taking, such as those for pain, blood clot prevention, and/or other conditions.
After abdominoperineal surgery you may be told to:
Contact your healthcare team if you have:
You may need a family member or friend to help you with your daily tasks until you are feeling better. It may take some time before your team tells you that you can go back to your normal activity.
Be sure to take your prescribed medications as directed to prevent pain, infection, and/or constipation. Call your team with any new or worsening symptoms.
There are ways to manage constipation after your surgery. You can change your diet, drink more fluids, and take over-the-counter medications. Talk with your care team before taking any medications for constipation.
Taking deep breaths and resting can help manage pain, keep your lungs healthy after anesthesia, and promote good drainage of lymphatic fluid. Try to do deep breathing and relaxation exercises a few times a day in the first week, or when you notice you are extra tense.
This article contains general information. Please be sure to talk to your care team about your specific plan and recovery.
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