What Patients Say About Cancer Treatment at New Hope
What Is Anal Cancer? Understand Your Disease
Anal cancer occurs in the tissues of the anus found at the end of the gastrointestinal tract. The anus is the opening at the bottom of your intestines where fecal matter exits the body. When anal cancer develops, it can spread to nearby tissues and other parts of the body. Some benign (noncancerous) forms of this disease can also become malignant (cancerous) over time.
Anal Cancers We Treat at New Hope Unlimited
The anus is approximately 2 or 3 inches long and composed of many cells with the potential to become cancerous. The primary types of anal cancer are:
Squamous cell carcinoma
The most common type of anal cancer beginning in the outer lining of the anal canal.
Cloacogenic carcinoma
This rare tumor accounts for about a quarter of anal cancer diagnoses. It forms between the lower region of the rectum and the outer part of the anus.
Adenocarcinoma
This tumor develops from the glands located under the anal lining.
Basal cell carcinoma
This type of skin cancer forms around the skin of the anus.
Anal Cancer Symptoms
The most common signs of anal cancer are:
- Rectal bleeding
- Rectal itching
- Pain or discomfort in the anal area
- Swollen lymph nodes in the anal area
- A lump at the anal opening
- Changes in bowel movements
- Unnatural discharge from the anus
Most often, benign conditions like anal fissures, anal warts, or hemorrhoids are responsible for these symptoms. Still, it is important to speak with your physician to receive proper diagnosis and treatment.
Anal Cancer Risk Factors and Prevention
The known risk factors of anal cancer include:
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, which causes AIDS
- A history of anal intercourse
- A history of cervical or vaginal cancer
- Reduced immunity due to medications and past surgeries
- Chronic inflammation
- Old age, particularly people older than 55
- Race, especially African American males
- Gender, since anal cancer is more common in females in general
- Smoking
Because of many other unknown causes, it is not possible to prevent this disease completely. However, there are things you can do to help lower your risk. First, since infection with HPV increases your risk of anal cancer, it will help to get an HPV vaccination. Second, you should consider using protection during intercourse, which is crucial to preventing HIV and AIDS. Lastly, stopping smoking minimizes your risk of developing anal cancer and many other diseases.
Diagnosis of Anal Cancer
In addition to a standard physical exam, your doctor may use the following tests to detect anal cancer tumors:
- Digital rectal examination (DRE)
- Anoscopy
- Biopsy
- Ultrasound
- X-ray
- Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
Anal Cancer Alternative Treatments
New Hope Unlimited is the leading provider of individualized treatment programs that focus on eliminating anal cancer symptoms, rebuilding your natural defense systems, and improving your overall wellness to restore your mind and body’s pre-cancer condition. How? Click here to read more about our Alternative Treatment Programs for Cancer.
Our Promise
- Advanced Cancer Treatments
- Top-Rated Physicians
- Personal Care
- Patient Satisfaction
Our Medical Facilities
At New Hope Unlimited, we pride ourselves in providing superior comfort, cleanliness, and cancer care at our 8,000 square foot medical treatment center in San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico. We worked with renowned architects and contractors to create the ideal space for recovery, which includes state-of-the-art lounge areas and spacious private in-rooms that assure the comfort of our patients and their loved ones.
To make our patients feel right at home, each private ward is equipped with high-definition U.S. television, quality bedding, and high-speed internet connection. And with proper nutrition playing a vital role in cancer recovery, New Hope Unlimited also fulfills the dietary needs of each patient using fresh, organic produce to prepare breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and dinners.
Comfort and cleanliness are also strictly implemented in our medical treatment rooms, which are equipped with the latest medical supplies and technology to provide the highest standard of care and treatment. Our medical center also has an in-house Hyperbaric Chamber, a well-established therapy for decompression sickness, exclusively available for our patients’ use.
Further, New Hope Unlimited has maintained its exceptional partnership with Hospital Migoo, a medical group comprised of certified physicians and specialists committed to our patients’ care and well-being.
FAQs
1. What is the survival rate for anal cancer?
The five-year survival rate for localized anal cancer is 80%.
2. How likely does anal cancer occur in a lifetime?
A person’s risk of developing anal cancer is roughly 1 in 500.
3. Is recurrence less likely with alternative anal cancer treatments?
Embracing a healthy lifestyle is the best possible way to prevent recurrence, regardless if you choose a more natural or conventional route to treating your disease. Regular checkups are also essential to managing and preventing anal cancer recurrence.
