Question 1

what is anal cancer?

Accepted Answer

Aggressive cancer : Anal cancer is an aggressive cancer of the anal area. It is not a common cancer. Risk factors include a history of anal warts, cigarette smoking, HIV infection and lowered immunity.  In early stages it can be treated by surgery but often requires treatment with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Question 2

who gets anal cancer?

Accepted Answer

People w cert risks: There isn't one type of person who gets anal cancer.  However, there are certain risk features that have been associated with a higher risk of possibly developing anal cancer.  These include: having hpv infection, your number of lifetime sexual partners, genital warts, cigarette smoking, receptive anal intercourse, and having hiv.

Question 3

is anal cancer uncommon?

Accepted Answer

Yes, fairly rare: Anal cancer is rare and certainly less than colon and rectum. In usa about 7000 cases are reported yearly with 800- 900 deaths. The treatment is very effective.

Question 4

can you die from anal cancer?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately yes: Mostly the treatment that is mainly concurrent chemotherapy with combined radiation is the standard and achieves good responses; surgery then is used only if recurrence occurs; however if advanced or has spread to other locations like lung or liver then the treatment is mostly palliative (control symptoms and extend life).

Question 5

how is anal cancer diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Exam and biopsy: Anal cancer is diagnosed primarilly by physical examination. Sometimes it requires anesthesia, but most of the time can be done in the office.  Any suspicious areas need to be biopsied.

Question 6

what is rectal vs anal cancer?

Accepted Answer

Very Diff. Cancers: As close as these 2 areas are on the body, the cancers are quite different.  Ca of the anus is an aggressive type of skin cancer that, when caught early, responds very well to chemo- and radiation therapy; surgery is rarely needed.  Ca of the rectum is very similar to colon ca, arising from the inner intestinal lining; surgery is the main treatment, often preceded by chemo and radiation.

Question 7

what is recurrent anal cancer?

Accepted Answer

It came back: Recurrent refers to a tumor that had gone away but then comes back.

Question 8

how do you get an anal cancer?

Accepted Answer

No single reason: The biggest risk factors are hpv infection that causes anal warts (condylomata) and HIV infection. Other factors include rare genetic mutations and radiation exposure to the lower pelvic area.

Question 9

what does anal cancer look like?

Accepted Answer

A Cauliflower: growing out of your anus

Question 10

what's new in anal cancer research?

Accepted Answer

Newer treatments: Nicely discussed in http://www.Cancer.Org/cancer/analcancer/detailedguide/anal-cancer-new-research.

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