Cáncer del Ano

What is the anus? The anus is an organ that lies at the end of the digestive tract below the rectum. It consists of two sections: the anal canal and the anus (or anal verge). The anal canal is a 3-4 cm long structure that lies between the anal sphincter (one of the muscles controlling bowel movements) just below the rectum and the anal verge which represents the transition point between the digestive tract and the skin on the outside of the body. Muscles within the anal canal and anus control the passage of stool from the rectum to outside the body. What is anal cancer? Normally, cells in the body will grow and divide to replace old or damaged cells in the body. This growth is highly regulated, and once enough cells are produced to replace the old ones, normal cells stop dividing. Tumors occur when there is an error in this regulation and cells continue to grow in an uncontrolled way. ... read more on Anal Cancer: The Basics

Riesgo y Prevención

VPH: Los fundamentos
An introduction to this virus and related cancers, as well as the transmission and prevention of HPV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expert answers to common questions about anal cancer.

Treatment Options for Peri-anal Paget's Disease
In 1986 and l987 I was operated on twice to excise Peri-anal Paget's disease and obtain clean margins. Pathology revealed underlying adenocarcinoma and the sphincter was excised, but not destroyed. After the second operation there were still some underlying cancer cells, but I was told I would just be watched--and I was for every three

Resuming sexual relations after completion of chemotherapy and radiation therapy for anal cancer
Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have just completed chemo and radiotherapy treatment for anal cancer I am worried about having sex again. Presently I have a yellow mucus discharge from my vagina and anus. It does seem to be getting better. Can I hope it will disappear and is it normal?James M. Metz, MD, Editor-in-Chief of OncoLink and Assistant

Proton Therapy for Anal Cancer
Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Is the new proton beam radiation a viable option for anal cancers? James M. Metz, MD, Editor-in-Chief of OncoLink and Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, responds:Proton beam therapy is being explored as a possible form of treatment for a number of cancers.

News

News stories related to anal cancer.

Comprehensive Analysis Supports SERMs for Cutting Breast Cancer
May 1, 2013 - Treatment with selective estrogen receptor modulators is associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of breast cancer, especially for the first five years after treatment, according to research described as the first comprehensive analysis, published online April 30 in The Lancet.

Study Tracks Patterns of U.S. Cases of Anal Canal Carcinoma
Apr 3, 2013 - Available screening and identification of human papillomavirus likely contributed to the increased incidences of squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCCA) and anal carcinoma in situ (CIS) after 1997, according to research published online March 18 in Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Despite cART, Anal Cancer Risk Still High for HIV-Infected
Dec 14, 2012 - For HIV-infected patients, despite combined antiretroviral treatment, the risk of anal cancer is still much higher than in the general population, according to a study published in the Dec. 10 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Conference Coverage

Reviews of presentations from professional meetings related to anal cancer.

Intergroup RTOG 98-11: A phase III randomized study of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), mitomycin, and radiotherapy versus 5-fluorouracil, cisplatin and radiotherapy in carcinoma of the anal canal
Presenter: J.A. AjaniPresenter's Affiliation: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TXType of Session: ScientificBackground The current standard treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the anus is concurrent chemoradiation (CRT) with 5-FU and mitomycin-C The 5-yr disease free survival (DFS) is ~65% Mitomycin-C has an undesirable

Intergroup RTOG 9811: Phase III Comparison of Chemoradiation With 5-FU and Mitomycin Vs. 5-FU and Cisplatin for Anal Canal Carcinoma: Impact on Disease-Free, Overall and Colostomy-Free Survival
Presenter: L.L. GundersonPresenter's Affiliation: Mayo Clinic Cancer Center ? Arizona, Scottsdale, AZType of Session: ScientificBackground Anal cancer is frequently a loco-regional disease The RTOG 8704/ECOG 1289 study showed the superiority of RT/5-FU/Mitomycin C over RT/5FU The current standard treatment of squamous cell

Long-term Quality of Life after Chemoradiation for Anal Cancer
Presenter: Prajnan DasPresenter's Affiliation: UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TXType of Session: ScientificBackground There are an estimated 4700 cases/year of anal cancer in the US. Definitive radiation therapy with concurrent chemotherapy represents the standard of care for squamous cell carcinoma of the anus. RTOG 9811