Anal Adenocarcinoma – Symptoms, Treatment & Support

What is anal adenocarcinoma?

Adenocarcinoma of the anus, or adenocarcinoma of the anus, is rare cancer and accounts for approximately 5-10% of all anal cancers. Anal adenocarcinoma also has two types: colorectal adenocarcinoma, which arises from the glandular cells of the mucous membrane lining the colon adjacent to the rectum. Another type is extra mucosal adenocarcinoma that originates from the glands of the anal canal.

What is the anus?

The anus is the outer lower end of the intestine. Once digested, food travels from the stomach to the small intestine. It then travels from the small intestine to the main part of the large intestine called the colon. The large intestine absorbs water and salt from digested food and sends it back to the bloodstream. The rest is waste known as feces or stool. Stool accumulates in the last part of the intestine and then is excreted out of the body through the anus.

Disease Causes

There is no well-known cause, but risk factors such as having anal warts, human papillomavirus infection, HIV infection, older age, male gender, cigarette smoking, poor dietary intake with low fiber, and having multiple sexual partners are considered risk factors for developing anal adenocarcinoma.

Signs and symptoms

In most cases, the patient is asymptomatic and is only diagnosed at an advanced stage of cancer. Some initial warning signs and symptoms:

• Change in bowel habits, constipation, diarrhea, or more frequent urge to pass stool.
• Dark color stool due to the presence of blood in the stool
• Feeling as if the bowels are not empty after defecation.
• Bleeding from the anus
• Pain in the abdomen
• Un explained weight loss
• Fatigue

Diagnosis

The following diagnostic tests and procedures can be used to make a diagnosis. These are

• Endoscopic examination of the anus, rectum, and large intestine. Endoscopy is a procedure that allows the doctor to visualize the internal organs of the body directly through the endoscope.
• Computed tomography (CT-pelvis) helps to differentiate squamous cell cancer of the rectum from anal cancer.
• Biopsy of the lesion/tumor and histopathological examination

Treatment

Surgical removal of the tumor is the main treatment option. Other treatment options are chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

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What support can we give for Anal Adenocarcinoma?

Anal Adenocarcinoma (FAT) is a rare cancer, meaning it is not as well known as other forms of cancer. Without a Ribbon is an Australian organisation that provides support for individuals who suffer from rare cancers. We provide a designated platform for Warriors to obtain information specific to their Rare Cancer. We also provide annual opportunities for our Warriors to meet and learn from each other. If you suffer from a rare cancer such as Anal Adenocarcinoma, we can help and support you through your journey thanks to the generous donations we receive. Click the link below to sign up and become a Warrior today!

You can help us with your donation:

Without a Ribbon is a charity that works hard to aid those who suffer from rare cancers. You can help our cause in a variety of ways: Donations — Without a Ribbon is grateful when we receive every donation. Giving to Without a Ribbon helps us to provide ongoing support, organise the annual gathering and subsidise the costs of our Warriors attending these conferences. Sponsorship — If you wish to sponsor our charity, please contact us using this form. Volunteering — We are always looking for volunteers to help with different aspects of running our charity. So, if you are looking for volunteer work, please feel free to contact us.