The United States National Cancer Institute states: Cancer is an invasive disease that affects millions of people worldwide.. Likewise, he also noted that there are various factors associated with the development of this disease in different parts of the body.
HE anal cancer It is a rare disease and little is talked about. However, it is important to raise people’s awareness about this disease to encourage early diagnosis.
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The Mayo Clinic states: Anal cancer is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the anal canal. The anal canal is a short tube at the end of the rectum through which stool exits the body.
Similarly, this expert website on health issues states that some of the main symptoms of this disease are: rectal bleeding, anal pain, itching, changes in bowel habits, and swelling near the anusamong others.
The Mayo Clinic also assures that among the most common causes are: human papillomavirus infection or HPV, which can cause changes in the cells of the anus and increase the risk of cancer.
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However, the United States National Cancer Institute says other risk factors may include: A condition that weakens the immune system, a personal history of vulvar, vaginal or cervical cancer, older ageamong others.
The above-mentioned organizations and medical experts state that: The diagnosis of anal cancer is usually made by physical examination. and additional tests.
During a physical examination, the doctor may: Palpate for any abnormalities in the anal area and perform a digital rectal exam. Additionally, examinations such as colonoscopy may also be performed. It allows you to visualize the anal canal and biopsy possible tumors.
Treatment of anal cancer depends on the stage of the disease. Experts state that surgery to remove the tumor may be chosen if it is detected at an early stage.
In more advanced cases, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be required before or after surgery to destroy cancer cells and prevent them from spreading.
Similarly, the United States National Cancer Institute notes that new types of treatments are being tested in clinical trials. radiosensitizers and immunotherapy, But some of these treatments may have side effects:
– Anemia
-Hair loss (alopecia)
-Changes in skin and nails
-Fertility problems in men
-Fertility problems in women
– Delirium
-Diarrhea
-Pain
-Edema, among others.
Treatments with radiosensitizers It is performed with drugs that sensitize tumor cells to radiotherapy, and the combination of these two treatments allows the destruction of more tumor cells.
Similar immunotherapy, Healthcare professionals use this to stimulate the patient’s immune system to attack the cancer. In this, substances found in the body or sealed in the laboratory are used to restore the body’s natural defenses.
Source: Exame