Anal CancerLast Updated: July 28, 2011 This section has been reviewed and approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 02/11 Overview
The anus is part of the gastrointestinal tract and is the opening at the end of the large intestine, below the rectum, where bowel movements leave the body. Anal cancer begins when normal cells in or on the anus change and grow uncontrollably, forming a mass called a tumor. A tumor of the anus can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous, meaning it can spread to other areas of the body). At first, the changes in a cell are abnormal, not cancerous. Researchers believe, however, that some of these abnormal changes are the first step in a series of slow changes that can lead to cancer. Some of the abnormal cells go away without treatment, but others can become cancerous. This phase of the disease is called dysplasia (an abnormal growth of cells). Dysplasia in the anus is called anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) or anal squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs). Growths—such as polyps or warts—that are not cancerous can also occur in or around the anus; some may become cancerous over time. In some cases, the precancerous tissue needs to be removed to keep cancer from developing. The anus is made up of different types of cells, and each type can become cancerous. There are several different types of anal cancer based on the type of cell where the cancer began:
Find out more about basic cancer terms used in this section. Statistics
This year, an estimated 5,820 adults (2,140 men and 3,680 women) in the United States will be diagnosed with anal cancer. It is estimated that 770 deaths (300 men and 470 women) from this disease will occur this year. The overall five-year survival rate (percentage of people who survive at least five years after the cancer is detected, excluding those who die from other diseases) for early, localized anal cancer is between 53% and 71%, depending on the type of cancer (see Overview for details). The five-year survival rate for people with tumors that have spread to the area around the anus is 24% to 48%. If the cancer has spread to more distant body parts, the five-year survival rate is between 7% and 21%. Survival rate may be lower for people who have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Cancer survival statistics should be interpreted with caution. These estimates are based on data from thousands of people with this type of cancer in the United States each year, but the actual risk for a particular individual may differ. It is not possible to tell a person how long he or she will live with anal cancer. Because the survival statistics are measured in five-year intervals, they may not represent advances made in the treatment or diagnosis of this cancer. Statistics adapted from the American Cancer Society's (ACS) publication, Cancer Facts & Figures 2011, and the ACS website. Risk Factors and Prevention
A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing cancer. Although risk factors can influence the development of cancer, most do not directly cause cancer. Some people with several risk factors never develop cancer, while others with no known risk factors do. However, knowing your risk factors and talking about them with your doctor may help you make more informed lifestyle and health care choices. The following factors may raise a person’s risk of developing anal cancer: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Research indicates that infection with this virus is a risk factor for anal cancer. HPV is most commonly passed from person to person during sexual activity. There are different types, or strains, of HPV, and some strains are more strongly associated with certain types of cancer. Learn more about HPV and cancer. Age. Most people diagnosed with anal cancer are between age 50 and 80. Frequent anal irritation. Frequent anal redness, swelling, and soreness may increase the risk of developing anal cancer. Anal fistula. An anal fistula is an abnormal tunnel between the anal canal and the outer skin of the anus that often drains pus or liquid, which can soil or stain clothing. An anal fistula may irritate the outer tissues or cause discomfort. An anal fistula may increase the risk of developing anal cancer. Cigarette smoking. Cigarettes can cause harm throughout the body, because chemicals from cigarettes can enter the bloodstream and affect nearly every organ and tissue in the body. Smokers are about eight times more likely to develop anal cancer than nonsmokers. Lowered immunity. People with diseases or conditions affecting the immune system—such as HIV or organ transplantation—and people who take immunosuppressive drugs that make the immune system less able to fight disease are more likely to develop anal cancer. Prevention Even though some people who have no risk factors develop anal cancer, there are ways to prevent or reduce your risk of developing anal cancer.
Anal cancer screening. Cancer screening is done to find cancer as early as possible in people who don’t yet have any signs of the disease. Anal cytology is a test being developed that doctors can use for people who don’t have symptoms of anal cancer but do have a high risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD), such as HPV and HIV. The test is similar to a Pap test, which looks for cervical cancer. The doctor can swab the anal lining and look at the cells on the swab under a microscope to find early cellular changes that might lead to cancer or may diagnose cancer from this swab. Some doctors are advocating the routine use of this test for men who have HIV and who have sex with men and for other people who are at high risk for developing anal cancer. Symptoms and Signs
People with anal cancer may experience the following symptoms or signs. Sometimes, people with anal cancer do not show any of these symptoms. Or, these symptoms may be caused by a medical condition that is not cancer. If you are concerned about a symptom or sign on this list, please talk with your doctor.
Your doctor will ask you questions about the symptoms you are experiencing to help find out the cause of the problem, called a diagnosis. This may include how long you’ve been experiencing the symptom(s) and how often. If cancer is diagnosed, relieving symptoms and side effects remains an important part of cancer care and treatment. This may also be called symptom management, palliative care, or supportive care. Be sure to talk with your health care team about symptoms you experience, including any new symptoms or a change in symptoms. Diagnosis
Doctors use many tests to diagnose cancer and find out if it has metastasized (spread). Some tests may also determine which treatments may be the most effective. For most types of cancer, a biopsy is the only way to make a definitive diagnosis of cancer. If a biopsy is not possible, the doctor may suggest other tests that will help make a diagnosis. Imaging tests may be used to find out whether the cancer has metastasized. Your doctor may consider these factors when choosing a diagnostic test:
In addition to a physical examination, the following tests may be used to diagnose anal cancer: Digital rectal examination (DRE). During this test, the doctor inserts a gloved finger into the anus to feel for lumps or abnormalities. General cancer guidelines suggest men have a DRE annually after the age of 50 and women have one during routine pelvic examinations. If you are at higher risk for developing anal cancer, your doctor may perform a DRE more often. Anoscopy. If the doctor feels a suspicious area during a DRE, this endoscopic test may be performed to see the abnormality. An anoscopy allows the doctor to see inside the body with a thin, lighted, flexible tube called an anoscope. Similarly, a proctoscope can be used to view the rectum in a procedure called a proctoscopy. The person may be sedated as the tube is inserted into the anus and/or rectum. Biopsy. A biopsy is the removal of a small amount of tissue for examination under a microscope. Other tests can suggest that cancer is present, but only a biopsy can make a definite diagnosis. The sample removed during the biopsy is analyzed by a pathologist (a doctor who specializes in interpreting laboratory tests and evaluating cells, tissues, and organs to diagnose disease). The type of biopsy performed will depend on the location of the cancer. For instance, an excisional biopsy can remove the entire lump if the lump is small and does not extend into other tissues. Lymph nodes may also be removed and examined in a biopsy. Ultrasound. An ultrasound uses sound waves to create a picture of the internal organs. In an anal ultrasound, an ultrasound wand is inserted into the anus to obtain the pictures. X-ray. An x-ray is way to create a picture of the structures inside of your body, using a small amount of radiation. Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan. A CT scan creates a three-dimensional picture of the inside of the body with an x-ray machine. A computer then combines these images into a detailed, cross-sectional view that shows any abnormalities or tumors. Sometimes, a contrast medium (a special dye) is injected into a patient’s vein to provide better detail. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI uses magnetic fields, not x-rays, to produce detailed images of the body. A contrast medium may be injected into a patient’s vein to create a clearer picture. Positron emission tomography (PET) scan. A PET scan is a way to create pictures of organs and tissues inside the body. A small amount of a radioactive substance is injected into a patient’s body. This substance is absorbed mainly by organs and tissues that use the most energy. Because cancer tends to use energy actively, it absorbs more of the radioactive substance. A scanner then detects this substance to produce images of the inside of the body. Learn more about what to expect when having common tests, procedures, and scans. After these diagnostic tests are done, your doctor will review all of the results with you. If the diagnosis is cancer, these results also help the doctor describe the cancer; this is called staging. Learn more about the first steps to take after a diagnosis of cancer. Staging
Staging is a way of describing a cancer, such as where it is located, if or where it has spread, and whether it is affecting the functions of other organs in the body. Doctors use diagnostic tests to determine the cancer’s stage, so staging may not be complete until all of the tests are finished. Knowing the stage helps the doctor to decide what kind of treatment is best and can help predict a patient’s prognosis (chance of recovery). There are different stage descriptions for different types of cancers. One tool that doctors use to describe the stage is the TNM system. This system judges three factors: the tumor itself, the lymph nodes around the tumor, and if the tumor has spread to other parts of the body. The results are combined to determine the stage of cancer for each person. There are five stages: stage 0 (zero) and stages I through IV (one through four). The stage provides a common way of describing the cancer, so doctors can work together to plan the best treatments. TNM is an abbreviation for tumor (T), node (N), and metastasis (M). Doctors look at these three factors to determine the stage of cancer:
Tumor. Using the TNM system, the "T" plus a letter or number (0 to 4) is used to describe the size and location of the tumor. Some stages are also divided into smaller groups that help describe the tumor in even more detail. Specific tumor stage information is listed below: TX: The primary tumor cannot be evaluated. T0: There is no tumor. Tis: Carcinoma in situ (early cancer that has not spread to other tissue) is present. T1: The tumor is no larger than 2 centimeters (cm). T2: The tumor is larger than 2 cm but not larger than 5 cm. T3: The tumor is larger than 5 cm. T4: The tumor has invaded other organs, such as the urethra, bladder, or a woman’s vagina. Node. The “N” in the TNM staging system stands for lymph nodes, the tiny, bean-shaped organs that help fight infection. Lymph nodes near the anus are called regional lymph nodes. Lymph nodes in other parts of the body are called distant lymph nodes. NX: Regional lymph nodes cannot be evaluated. N0 (N plus zero): There is no regional lymph node metastasis. N1: Cancer had spread to the perirectal (around the rectum) lymph nodes. N2: Cancer has spread to the internal iliac (pelvic) and/or the inguinal (groin) lymph nodes on the same side of the body. N3: Cancer had spread to the perirectal and inguinal lymph nodes and/or the internal iliac and/or inguinal lymph nodes on both sides of the body. Distant metastasis. The “M” in the TNM system indicates whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. MX: Distant metastasis cannot be evaluated. M0 (M plus zero): There is no distant metastasis. M1: There is metastasis to other parts of the body. Cancer stage grouping Doctors assign the stage of the cancer by combining the T, N, and M classifications. Stage 0: Abnormal cells are in the first layer of the lining of the anus only. The abnormal cells may become cancer. This stage is also called carcinoma in situ (Tis, N0, M0). Stage I: The tumor is no larger than 2 cm and has not spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body (T1, N0, M0). Stage II: The tumor is larger than 2 cm and has not spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body (T2 or T3, N0, M0). Stage IIIA: The tumor may be any size and has spread to either the nearby lymph nodes or to organs, such as the vagina, urethra, and bladder (T1 or T2 or T3, N1, M0; or T4, N0, M0). Stage IIIB: The tumor has invaded other nearby organs, but lymph node spread is limited to the area around the rectum; there is no distant spread. Or, the tumor may be of any size; lymph node spread can be local or distant, but there is no disease spread to distant organs (T4, N1, M0; or any T, N2 or N3, M0). Stage IV: The tumor may be any size and has spread to the lymph nodes and to distant parts of the body (any T, any N, M1). Recurrent: Recurrent cancer is cancer that comes back after treatment. If there is a recurrence, the cancer may need to be staged again (re-staging) using the system above. Grading Histologic grade (G). In addition to the TNM system, doctors may also assign a histologic grade to the cancer. Histologic grade indicates how closely the cancer cells resemble normal tissue under a microscope. In general, the more differentiated the anal cancer tissue, the better the prognosis. A tumor's grade is described using the letter “G” and a number. GX: The tumor grade cannot be identified. G1: The cells look more like normal tissue cells (well differentiated). G2: The cells are somewhat different from normal cells (moderately differentiated). G3: The cells do not look like normal cells (poorly differentiated). G4: The cells barely resemble normal cells (undifferentiated). Used with permission of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), Chicago, Illinois. The original source for this material is the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, Seventh Edition (2010) published by Springer-Verlag New York, www.cancerstaging.net. Treatment
This section outlines treatments that are the standard of care (the best proven treatments available) for this specific type of cancer. When making treatment plan decisions, patients are also encouraged to consider clinical trials as an option. A clinical trial is a research study to test a new treatment to evaluate whether it is safe, effective, and possibly better than standard treatment. Your doctor can help you review all treatment options. For more information, see the Clinical Trials and Current Research sections. Treatment overview In cancer care, different types of doctors often work together to create a patient’s overalltreatment plan that combines different types of treatments. This is called a multidisciplinary team. For anal cancer, there are three main types of treatment: surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Descriptions of each treatment option are listed below. Treatment options and recommendations depend on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, possible side effects, and the patient’s preferences and overall health. Learn more about making treatment decisions. Surgery Surgery is the removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue during an operation. The type of surgery for anal cancer depends on the stage of the cancer. A surgical oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating cancer using surgery. Surgery for anal cancer may also be performed by a colorectal surgeon, who specializes in surgery on the colon or rectum. Anal carcinoma in situ or early-stage cancer can often be treated by removing the abnormal cells and a small area of the surrounding normal tissue (called a margin). Afterward, patients should receive regular follow-up screening to watch for and remove any new abnormal cells. Previously, most patients with later stages of anal cancer were treated surgically before effective chemotherapy and radiation therapy were developed for anal cancer. However, studies have shown similar cure rates between surgical treatment and the combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Now, most patients have a biopsy (which may require some level of surgery; see Diagnosis) followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy without further surgery. Many patients can avoid major surgery with this type of combined treatment. If a patient cannot have chemotherapy or radiation therapy, surgery may be recommended. Surgery may also be recommended if the cancer remains after initial treatment or returns after treatment has been completed. A persistent or recurring tumor may be treated with an abdominoperineal resection, which is the surgical removal of the anus, rectum, and part of the colon. This procedure results in a colostomy (an opening on the abdominal wall to allow feces to be collected in a bag). Lymph nodes may also be removed during this procedure. Learn more about cancer surgery. Radiation therapy Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy x-rays or other particles to kill cancer cells. A doctor who specializes in giving radiation therapy to treat cancer is called a radiation oncologist. The most common type of radiation treatment is called external-beam radiation therapy, which is radiation given from a machine outside the body. When radiation treatment is given using implants, it is called internal radiation therapy or brachytherapy. A radiation therapy regimen (schedule) usually consists of a specific number of treatments given over a set period of time. Radiation therapy for anal cancer is often combined with chemotherapy. Patients with both anal cancer and HIV may be treated with lower doses of radiation therapy, depending on the degree to which the patient’s immune system is compromised by the HIV. Side effects of radiation therapy may include fatigue, mild skin reactions, upset stomach, temporary anal irritation, loose bowel movements, and discomfort when having a bowel movement. Scar tissue may form from damage to anal tissue, which may interfere with bowel function. Most side effects go away soon after treatment is finished. Learn more about radiation therapy. Chemotherapy Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells, usually by stopping the cancer cells’ ability to grow and divide. Systemic chemotherapy is delivered through the bloodstream to reach cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy is given by a medical oncologist, a doctor who specializes in treating cancer with medication. A chemotherapy regimen (schedule) usually consists of a specific number of cycles given over a set period of time. A patient may receive one drug at a time or combinations of different drugs at the same time. Chemotherapy for anal cancer usually consists of a combination of drugs. The main chemotherapy drugs given for anal cancer are fluorouracil (5-FU, Adrucil) and mitomycin C (Mitozytrex, Mutamycin) or fluorouracil and cisplatin (Platinol). Chemotherapy is particularly effective for treating anal cancer when given in combination with radiation therapy. The combined treatment allows the use of lower radiation doses and improves the likelihood of completely destroying the tumor. Patients with both anal cancer and HIV may receive lower doses of chemotherapy, depending on the degree to which the patient’s immune system is compromised by the HIV. The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the individual and the dose used, but they can include fatigue, risk of infection, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. These side effects usually go away once treatment is finished. Learn more about chemotherapy and preparing for treatment. The medications used to treat cancer are continually being evaluated. Talking with your doctor is often the best way to learn about the medications prescribed for you, their purpose, and their potential side effects or interactions with other medications. Learn more about your prescriptions by using searchable drug databases. Recurrent anal cancer Once your treatment is complete and there is a remission (absence of cancer symptoms; also called “no evidence of disease” or NED), talk with your doctor about the possibility of the cancer returning. Many survivors feel worried or anxious that the cancer will come back. Learn more about coping with this fear. If the cancer does return after the original treatment, it is called recurrent cancer. It may come back in the same place (called a local recurrence), nearby (regional recurrence), or in another place (distant recurrence). When this occurs, a cycle of testing will begin again to learn as much as possible about the recurrence. After testing is done, you and your doctor will talk about your treatment options. Often the treatment plan will include the therapies described above (such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy) but may be used in a different combination or given at a different pace. Your doctor may also suggest clinical trials that are studying new ways to treat this type of recurrent cancer. People with recurrent cancer often experience emotions such as disbelief or fear. Patients are encouraged to talk with their health care team about these feelings and ask about support services to help them cope. Learn more about dealing with cancer recurrence. Metastatic anal cancer If cancer has spread to another location in the body, it is called metastatic cancer. Patients with this diagnosis are encouraged to talk with doctors who are experienced in treating this stage of cancer, because there can be different opinions about the best treatment plan. Learn more about seeking a second opinion before starting treatment, so you are comfortable with the treatment plan chosen. This discussion may include clinical trials. Your health care team may recommend a treatment plan that includes a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. In addition to treatment to slow, stop, or eliminate the cancer (also called disease-directed treatment), an important part of cancer care is relieving a person’s symptoms and side effects. It includes supporting the patient with his or her physical, emotional, and social needs, an approach called palliative or supportive care. People often receive disease-directed therapy and treatment to ease symptoms at the same time. If disease-directed treatment is not successful, this may also be called advanced cancer. This diagnosis is stressful, and it may be difficult to discuss. However, it is important to have open and honest conversations with your doctor and health care team to express your feelings, preferences, and concerns. The health care team is there to help, and many team members have special skills, experience, and knowledge to support patients and their families. Learn more about advanced cancer care planning. Find out more about common terms used during cancer treatment. About Clinical Trials
Doctors and scientists are always looking for better ways to treat patients with anal cancer. To make scientific advances, doctors create research studies involving people, called clinical trials. Many clinical trials are focused on new treatments, evaluating whether a new treatment is safe, effective, and possibly better than the current (standard) treatment. These types of studies evaluate new drugs, different combinations of existing treatments, new approaches to radiation therapy or surgery, and new methods of treatment. Patients who participate in clinical trials are often among the first to receive new treatments before they are widely available. However, there is no guarantee that the new treatment will be safe, effective, or better than a standard treatment. There are also clinical trials that study new ways to ease symptoms and side effects during treatment and managing the late effects that may occur after treatment. Talk with your doctor about clinical trials regarding side effects. In addition, there are ongoing studies about ways to prevent the disease. Patients decide to participate in clinical trials for many reasons. For some patients, a clinical trial is the best treatment option available. Because standard treatments are not perfect, patients are often willing to face the added uncertainty of a clinical trial in the hope of a better result. Other patients volunteer for clinical trials because they know that these studies are the only way to make progress in treating anal cancer. Even if they do not benefit directly from the clinical trial, their participation may benefit future patients with anal cancer. Sometimes people have concerns that, by participating in a clinical trial, they may receive no treatment by being given a placebo or a “sugar pill.” The use of placebos in cancer clinical trials is rare. When a placebo is used in a study, it is done with the full knowledge of the participants. Find out more about placebos in cancer clinical trials. To join a clinical trial, patients must participate in a process known as informed consent. During informed consent, the doctor should list all of the patient’s options so that the person understands how the new treatment differs from the standard treatment. The doctor must also list all of the risks of the new treatment, which may or may not be different from the risks of standard treatment. Finally, the doctor must explain what will be required of each patient in order to participate in the clinical trial, including the number of doctor visits, tests, and the schedule of treatment. Learn more about clinical trials, including patient safety, phases of a clinical trial, deciding to participate in a clinical trial, questions to ask the research team, and links to find clinical trials. For specific topics being studied for anal cancer, learn more in the Current Research section. Patients who participate in a clinical trial may stop participating at any time for any personal or medical reason. This may include that the new treatment is not working or there are serious side effects. It is important that patients participating in a clinical trial talk with their doctor and researchers about who will be providing their treatment and care during the clinical trial, after the clinical trials ends, and/or if the patient chooses to leave the clinical trial before it ends. Side Effects
Cancer and its treatment can cause a variety of side effects. However, doctors have made major strides in recent years in reducing pain, nausea and vomiting, and other physical side effects of cancer treatments. Many treatments used today are less intensive but as effective as treatments used in the past. Doctors also have many ways to provide relief to patients when such side effects occur. Fear of treatment side effects is common after a diagnosis of cancer, but it may be helpful to know that preventing and controlling side effects is a major focus of your health care team. Before treatment begins, talk with your doctor about possible side effects of the specific treatments you will be receiving. The specific side effects that can occur depend on a variety of factors, including the type of cancer, its location, the individual treatment plan (including the length and dosage of treatment), and your overall health. Common side effects for each treatment option are described in detail within the Treatment section. Damage to the anus, bowel, or bladder can occur from the use of radiation therapy, resulting in diarrhea, problems with urination, or problems having bowel movements. Surgery or combined use of radiation therapy and chemotherapy can result in impotence in men (the inability to get or maintain an erection). Ask your doctor which side effects are most likely to happen (and which are not), when side effects are likely to occur, and how they will be addressed by the health care team. Also, be sure to communicate with the doctor about side effects you experience during and after treatment. Care of a patient’s symptoms and side effects is an important part of a person’s overall treatment plan; this is called palliative or supportive care. It helps people with cancer at any stage of illness be as comfortable as possible. Learn more about the most common side effects of cancer and different treatments, along with ways to prevent or control them. Be sure to talk with your doctor about the level of caregiving you may need during treatment and recovery, as family members and friends often play an important role in the care of a person with anal cancer. Learn more about caregiving In addition to physical side effects, there may be psychosocial (emotional and social) effects are well. For many patients, a diagnosis of anal cancer is stressful and can bring difficult emotions. Patients and their families are encouraged to share their feelings with a member of their health care team, who can help with coping strategies. Learn more about the importance of addressing such needs, including concerns about managing the cost of your medical care. A side effect that occurs more than five years after treatment is called a late effect. Treatment of late effects is an important part of survivorship care. Learn more about late effects or long-term side effects by reading the After Treatment section or talking with your doctor. After Treatment
After treatment for anal cancer ends, talk with your doctor about developing a follow-up care plan. This plan may include regular physical examinations and/or medical tests to monitor your recovery for the coming months and years. Regular examinations are important following treatment of anal cancer to detect any local recurrence of the cancer or spread to other parts of the body. The examinations usually are scheduled for every few months for the first two or three years following treatment, and then at less frequent intervals. In addition to physical examination, other procedures (such as proctoscopy), imaging studies (such as CT scanning), and blood tests may be done, depending on the treatment given. ASCO offers cancer treatment summary forms to help keep track of the cancer treatment you received and develop a survivorship care plan once treatment is completed. People recovering from anal cancer are encouraged to follow established guidelines for good health, such as maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, eating a balanced diet, and having recommended cancer screening tests. For anal cancer survivors who smoke, quitting smoking is strongly encouraged. Talk with your doctor to develop a plan that is best for your needs. Moderate physical activity can help rebuild your strength and energy level. Your doctor can help you create an appropriate exercise plan based upon your needs, physical abilities, and fitness level. Learn more about the next steps to take in survivorship, including making positive lifestyle changes. Find out more about common terms used after cancer treatment is complete. Current Research
Doctors are working to learn more about anal cancer, ways to prevent it, how to best treat it, and how to provide the best care to people diagnosed with this disease. The following areas of research may include new options for patients through clinical trials. Always talk with your doctor about the diagnostic and treatment options best for you. Radiosensitizers. Drugs that make tumor cells more susceptible to radiation therapy are being explored as a way to enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy. HPV vaccines. Because anal cancer is likely caused by HPV, an HPV vaccine (see Risk Factors and Prevention) could potentially prevent many cases of anal cancer from occurring. Learn more about HPV and cancer. Anal cytology. Similar to a Pap test, anal cytology looks for abnormal cells in the anal lining. This test may help find anal cancer at the earliest, most treatable stages. Supportive care. Clinical trials are underway to find better ways of reducing symptoms and side effects of current anal cancer treatments, in order to improve patients’ comfort and quality of life. Learn more about common statistical terms used in cancer research.To find clinical trials specific to your diagnosis, talk with your doctor or search online clinical trial databases now. Questions to Ask the Doctor
Talking often with the doctor is important to make informed decisions about your health care. These suggested questions are a starting point to help you learn more about your cancer care and treatment. You are also encouraged to ask additional questions that are important to you.
Patient Information Resources
In addition to Cancer.Net, there are other sources of information about this type of cancer available online. Cancer.Net maintains a list of national, not-for-profit organizations that may be helpful in finding additional information, services, and support. As always, be sure to talk with your doctor about questions you may have about information you find about this disease. View organizations that offer information on this specific type of cancer. |
