You may have never heard of anal cancer. This disease is not talked about much because cases of the disease are not as common as lung or breast cancer, but you should still be aware of it, writes krasotaizdrave.
According to the Spanish Association for the Fight against Cancer, anal cancer accounts for only 1.9% of all tumor diseases of the digestive system.
Although the percentage is not very high, you should know that in recent years the cases of this disease have increased sharply due to the presence of risk factors such as:
- Smoking
- Longer life expectancy
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections
The disease mainly affects men, but it also occurs in women over 50 years of age.
The biggest problem with anal cancer is that it often progresses without any visible symptoms.
Additionally, people suffering from hemorrhoids often confuse it with bleeding and swelling from hemorrhoids and do not seek the necessary medical attention.
Since information is our greatest strength, let's take a look at some of the main symptoms of this disease.
Anal cancer, the silent disease
We often don't pay attention to the processes in our bodies. We go to the toilet without even thinking about it and checking for any irregularities or traces of blood.
The anus is not just the place in our body where we expel feces; we must remember that it is part of the intestines, more precisely, the large intestine.
Its ring-shaped muscles are made up of numerous cells that can, for various reasons, undergo genetic changes and become dangerous, abnormal, or cancerous cells.
Some of the risk factors can be controlled, but you know that when it comes to cancer, not everything depends on our healthy lifestyle.
There are other factors that we can miss and the disease can develop. That is why it is extremely important to be familiar with its symptoms.
1. Bleeding
This is the main symptom you should be aware of. Occasional bleeding can be caused by other factors, so getting a proper diagnosis is extremely important.
- Sometimes bleeding is caused by hemorrhoids, an infection, or another condition that a specialist will easily diagnose.
- It is important to consult your doctor as soon as this problem occurs.
2. Feeling bloated
Most patients with anal cancer experience swelling and fullness in the rectal area. This is caused by the collected mass, which causes discomfort and even itching.
- Sometimes this collected mass obstructs bowel movements to the point that a person may even lose control of their anal muscles.
- At first glance, this symptom is easy to recognize. But in reality, most people wait up to 6 months before seeing a doctor, when symptoms have increased.
3. The appearance of “warts”
Anal cancer is often associated with the appearance of warts in the anal area. These can develop inside the rectum or externally and cause discomfort.
Many patients confuse them with the more common boils, but it is important to go for a checkup.
Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor. It will make things easier for you.
4. Change in bowel movements
We all experience mild disruptions in our bowel movements from time to time. Everyone has experienced temporary constipation or diarrhea . This is normal.
- The things that are worrisome are the loss of control over the anal muscles and involuntary leakage.
- As the tumor grows, the patient may notice liquid discharge in the anus area.
5. Itching
Lower body symptoms include fatigue in the lower back, stomach tension, and itching in the anus.
- Itching is often attributed to hemorrhoids, and many people use traditional creams and therapies to relieve discomfort caused by a health problem that is often not shared with others.
- We must understand the importance and significance of timely consultation with a doctor at the first signs of these symptoms.
Early diagnosis increases the chance of successful treatment.
In a very small number of cases, anal cancer is not diagnosed early, but only at an advanced stage, when the tumor has spread to the lymph nodes. In such cases, much more aggressive treatment is required.
Medicine is evolving every day, with new technologies, therapies, and medications constantly being developed that could cure your problem
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