Anal Dysplasia and Anal Cancer: Anal Cancer Doctor Explains

Anal dysplasia is a precancerous condition characterized by lesions in or near the anal canal. These lesions consist of abnormally transformed skin cells. These are frequently brought on by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Anal dysplasia is not cancer, but the lesions can develop into cancerous tumors. Therefore, screening is essential.

Here is some essential information about anal dysplasia and anal cancer given by an anal cancer doctor in Kolkata that you should know.

 

 

What are the potential causes of anal dysplasia and/or anal cancer?

Anal dysplasia and anal cancer are associated with several risk factors (factors that increase the likelihood of getting a disease). These consist of:

• Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV).

• A greater number of sexual partners.

• Having anoreceptive sexual activity (being the receiving partner in anal sex.)

• Use of tobacco

• Having anal wounds that are not entirely healed.

• Possessing dysplastic genitalia.

• Being Immunosuppressed. It is caused by:

• HIV

• Hematological cancer (blood cancer)

• Medication

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

• Solid-organ transplantation

Different Symptoms of Anal Dysplasia and Anal Cancer

Anal dysplasia often causes no symptoms until the condition advances to anal cancer. However, when symptoms are present, they may include -

• Anal irritation

• The sensation of having a lump or mass in the anus.

• Pain

Anal cancer symptoms –

• A lump in or close to the anus

• Blooding from the rectum or anus

• Anal discharge

It is crucial to note that most of these symptoms and signs can be attributed to less severe conditions. Therefore, you should make an appointment with your doctor to get a proper diagnosis.

Anal Dysplasia and Anal Cancer Treatment in Kolkata

Anal Dysplasia Treatment

The precancerous anal lesions can be found using a technique called chromoendoscopy. It involves applying stains or pigments to improve tissue localization, characterization, or diagnosis during endoscopy.

The technique makes it easier to detect abnormal tissue. Suppose abnormal tissue is discovered during the procedure. In that case, it can be eliminated, and along with it, the likelihood of dysplasia developing into anal cancer.

If anal warts are discovered, they can be treated in several ways, such as:

• Topical drugs

• Cryotherapy (freezing)

• Surgical excision or burning

After anal dysplasia treatment, your doctor will likely monitor you at regular intervals.

Anal Cancer Treatment

If anal dysplasia develops into anal cancer, your treatment then depends on the stage of your cancer.

Anal cancer treatment in Kolkata usually involves chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These two treatments complement one another and increase the likelihood of a cure.

If your cancer fails to respond to chemotherapy and radiation, your doctor may consider an abdominoperineal resection, often known as an AP resection. 

It is an extensive surgery during which the anal canal, rectum, and a piece of the colon are removed. The remaining colon is then attached to an opening (stoma) in the abdomen through which waste will exit your body and be collected in a colostomy bag.

Anal cancer surgery in Kolkata may also be recommended to treat very small anal cancers. During this procedure, the surgeon removes the tumor along with a small amount of surrounding healthy tissue surrounding.

Due to the small size of the tumors, early-stage cancers can often be removed without harming the anal sphincter muscles that surround the anal canal.

How can you prevent anal dysplasia and anal cancer?

There is no way to prevent anal dysplasia and cancer with absolute certainty. However, according to the anal cancer doctor in Kolkata, here are some measures that you can take to mitigate the risk –

• Getting the HPV vaccine - All 11 or 12-year-old boys and girls should take two HPV vaccine injections six to 12 months apart. A third dose will be required if the two shots are administered less than five months apart. In addition, a child older than 14 should receive three vaccinations over six months. If you did not receive the vaccine as a child, you should get it now. The vaccine is recommended for women up to age 26 and men up to age 21. Consult your physician before getting the HPV vaccine.

• Use condoms - It is essential to use a condom during all sexual activity. Because HPV can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, a condom is effective.

• If you are HIV positive, continuing with your treatment regimen is essential.

• Giving up smoking.