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About Anal Cancer Consultations offered in Merrifield and Fair Oaks, Fairfax, Alexandria, Gainesville and Lansdowne, VA
Anal cancer is less common than colorectal cancer. However, rates of anal cancer diagnosis are on the rise. When found and treated during the early stages, anal cancer is highly curable. At Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC, the board-certified proctologists and colon and rectal surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating anal cancer. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Fairfax, Fair Oaks, Alexandria, Gainesville, Woodbridge, or Lansdowne, Virginia, or book online today.
Anal Cancer Q & A
What is anal cancer?
Anal cancer originates in the anus, the tube at the end of your rectum that helps eliminate stool.
Anal cancer is rare. People with human papillomavirus (HPV) are at greater risk of developing this type of cancer.
Your risk of developing anal cancer increases as you get older. You may also be at risk of developing this type of cancer if you have a history of other HPV-related cancers like cervical cancer.
What are the symptoms of anal cancer?
Not everyone with anal cancer has symptoms. Common symptoms include:
- Blood in your stool
- Anal irritation
- Anal pain
- Anal itching
- Growth in the anal area
- Change in bowel habits
- Anal drainage
People with more advanced anal cancer may have pelvic pain or weight loss.
If you have any of these symptoms, schedule a consultation at Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC.
Though these symptoms are common with other anorectal conditions like hemorrhoids, you never want to ignore blood in your stools or a change in bowel habits. These are common symptoms of both anal and colon cancer.
What happens during an anal cancer evaluation?
You can expect a thorough and compassionate exam when visiting Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC for an anal cancer evaluation. Your provider reviews your symptoms, medical history, and family history and completes a physical exam.
During the exam, your provider does a digital rectal exam to feel for lumps and abnormalities. They may also perform an anoscopy, a diagnostic test that uses a thin flexible tube with a camera that allows your doctor to see the anal tissue and take a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis.
Imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan are also done to stage your anal cancer.
What are the treatments for anal cancer?
Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC, customizes your anal cancer treatment plan based on the stage of your cancer. Treatment may include:
- Surgery to remove the cancer
- Radiation therapy to kill the cancer cells
- Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy is the gold standard treatment for anal cancer. This treatment has a high rate of success.
After treatment, FCRS schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor for a recurrence.
To find out more about anal cancer, call Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC, or schedule an appointment online today.