What is Small Cell Carcinoma of the Anus?
Small cell carcinoma of the anus is a rare aggressive tumour. Anal cancer is a disease in which cancer cells (rapidly dividing) cells originate from the tissues of the anus or anal canal. Aggressive tumours are tumours that grow rapidly and spread to other parts of the body.
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 Epidemiology
It is rare cancer and accounts for approximately 2% of all anus and rectal cancers.
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 colour 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
- Excessive sweating at the night
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/tumour and histopathological examination
Treatment
Surgical removal of the tumour is the main treatment option. Other treatment options are chemotherapy along with radiation therapy.
What Support can we Give for Small Cell Carcinoma of the Anus?
Small Cell Carcinoma of the Anus is 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. So, 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 rare cancer such as Small Cell Carcinoma of the Anus, 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:
