Anal Cancer

Anal cancer is a malignant tumor that occurs in the squamous epithelium of the anal canal. It is usually closely related to human papillomavirus infection. Anal cancer is relatively new to people. Because its incidence rate is relatively low compared with some cancers, fewer people pay attention to it. But this is a wrong approach, and the harm of anal cancer cannot be underestimated, so below we will let everyone understand what anal cancer is. Perianal cancer occurs below the dentate line, while squamous cell carcinoma often occurs in the anal canal and surrounding areas. It arises from the squamous epithelium of the anal canal and surrounding areas, and is often caused by long-term chronic stimulation and damage to anal fistulas, hemorrhoids, surgical scars, genital warts, purulent sweat gland inflammation, and hidden hair cysts.

Figure 1. Anal Cancer.

Symptom

Anal cancer often causes discomfort and itching in the anal area. There is a small lump at the edge of the anus that grows slowly. The pain is extremely mild, and there is pain when it invades the anal canal or sphincter muscle. After a long course of illness, ulcers may form, and there may be tenderness in the local area. The secretion is sparse and often mixed with blood streaks. There is gray white necrotic tissue at the bottom of the ulcer, with outward rotation and granular nodules around it, making it easy to scab and bleed. Swelling of inguinal lymph nodes, etc. Early limited lesions in diagnosis should be distinguished from papillomas, condyloma acuminatum, thrombotic hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and granulomatous ulcers.

Screening

In recent years, with the increase of the incidence rate of anal cancer, screening and early detection of anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) has become a necessary condition for high-risk patients. This screening can detect high-risk precancerous lesions and improve the staging of post-treatment lesions. Anal Pap smear, similar to the one used for cervical cancer screening, has been studied for early detection of anal cancer in high-risk populations. Practicing nurses conduct anal Pap smear screening, and males with abnormal results undergo further evaluation using high-resolution anoscopy. This program has helped identify many precancerous lesions, enabling them to be safely removed. A similar study was conducted on women with a history of cervical cancer or high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. More than 30% of people have abnormal anal Pap smears, with one-third of them already suffering from anal intraepithelial neoplasia.

Treatment Options

The treatment depends on the degree of invasion of surrounding tissues by anal squamous cell carcinoma and the presence of inguinal lymph node metastasis. In principle, for those with inguinal lymph node metastasis, the enlarged and metastatic lymph nodes should be removed during anal surgery. The entire surgical process is performed by cutting open with a laser knife and following the surgical procedure. Deep enlarged lymph nodes, with correct direction, can be directly treated with central hyperthermia by introducing laser into the deep area, taking care not to damage surrounding large blood vessels and nerve trunks.

Antibodies

ELISA Kits