What is anal cancer?
The anus is the terminal opening of the digestive tract, through which stool is expelled. When we speak of ‘anal region’, we consider the anus and its surroundings. The anal cancer is considered to be part of cancers colorectaux – even if it must be differentiated from cancer du rectal which develops from the colonic mucosa -. It’s a rare cancer that affects 1,000 people each year1. There are several stages: we speak of stage 1 anal cancer for a tumor of less than 2 cm; stage 2 anal cancer for a tumor of 2 cm to 5 cm. We talk about stage 3A anal cancer if the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes and stage 3B when the tumor reaches the bladder, urethra or vagina. When the cancer has spread to other parts of the body such as the liver, lungs, bones, it is called stage 4 anal cancer.
What are the symptoms of anal cancer?
At the very beginning, there are hardly any symptoms, but these appear when the tumor grows. The most common symptoms are:
- Mild anal bleeding
- Pain or feeling of pressure in the anal area
- Itching in the anal area
- Abnormal mass in the groin or near the anus
- Transit changed without reason
When it progresses and the tumor grows, anal cancer can cause pain, but this remains relatively moderate.
Anal cancer, what are the causes?
In the vast majority of cases, anal cancer develops following a infection due au virus papillomavirus (HPV) transmitted by direct contact during sexual intercourse. Other risk factors for anal cancer2 are receptive anal intercourse, immunosuppression related to HIV infection or immunosuppressive treatments, smoking, history of dysplasia or cancer of the cervix, vagina or vulva.
Anal cancer: who is at risk?
Anal cancer mainly affects the women over 60 and men who have sex with men who are infected with HIV (the AIDS virus).
Anal cancer can be detected by Rectal touch or rectoscope, a medical examination that allows you to observe the inside of the rectum and the anal canal to check the extent of the lesion. This examination is carried out using a rigid tube (endoscope), introduced through the anus and which contains optical fibres. Examination of a sample confirms the diagnosis. If the diagnosis is proven, other examinations may be necessary (scanner, MRI, etc.).
Can anal cancer be cured?
Like any cancer, anal cancer is fatal. The earlier the cancer is diagnosed, the higher the chances of survival. : for people diagnosed with stage 1 or 2 cancer, the chances of survival are estimated at 80%; for people diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, the chances of survival are 10 to 31%. THE anal cancer treatment generally combines radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In 70% of cases, the treatment of anal cancer does not require surgery.
As part of the treatment of this cancer, prevention is very important. There is a vaccine anti-HPV which helps prevent anal tumors in girls and boys. Papillomaviruses (HPV) are thought to be responsible for approximately 6,300 cancers each year.3 – cervix, anus, oropharynx, penis, vulva, vagina, oral cavity, larynx-.
It is also recommended that people at risk consult a proctologist every year for a clinical examination, as a preventive measure.
1. Anal cancerLyon Center for Digestive Surgery
2. Anus et canal analInstitut national du cancer.
3. Vaccination against HPV: a cancer prevention issue, Rousseau Sophie, Gaillot-de Saintignon Julie, Barret Anne-Sophie The Practitioner’s Review, 2019, vol. 69, no. 5, p. 529-534.
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