Anal Cancer

Anal cancer is a serious health concern. It develops in the anal canal, the opening at the end of the rectum through which stool leaves the body. While it’s a relatively rare cancer, early detection and treatment are crucial for a positive prognosis. If you have been the victim of a misdiagnosis of anal cancer, you may have a medical malpractice case. Contact the anal cancer lawyer at the Kopec Law Firm.

Risk Factors and Demographics

Several factors can increase your risk of developing anal cancer. The most prominent risk factor is infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly certain high-risk strains. HPV specifically is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause abnormal cell growth, leading to cancer in some cases. People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, are also at a higher risk.

Certain lifestyle choices can contribute to the risk as well. Smoking cigarettes weakens the body’s immune response and is a known risk factor for anal cancer. Additionally, having multiple sexual partners, particularly engaging in receptive anal sex without protection, can increase the risk of HPV infection.

Anal cancer can affect anyone, but more women experience it than men. The incidence also tends to be higher in adults between the ages of 55 and 64. The anal cancer lawyer can give you more information on risk factors and demographics.

Symptoms and Early Detection

Here are some key things signs and symptoms to watch for:

• Bleeding from the rectum: This can be bright red or appear as dark streaks in stool.
• Persistent anal itching: Itching that doesn’t resolve with basic hygiene measures can be a sign of anal cancer.
• Pain or pressure in the anal area: This discomfort may worsen during bowel movements.
• A lump near the anus: This could be a tumor, although it’s important to note that hemorrhoids can also cause lumps.
• Changes in bowel habits: This could include difficulty passing stool, narrow stools, or a feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation.

Early detection is critical for successful treatment. The anal cancer lawyer can discuss your specific symptoms with you.

Diagnosis

A doctor specializing in colorectal surgery or gastroenterology typically diagnoses anal cancer. During a consultation, they should discuss your medical history and symptoms. A physical examination, including a digital rectal exam where the doctor feels the inside of your rectum for abnormalities, may be performed.

Several tests can aid in diagnosing anal cancer:

• Anoscopy: A thin, lighted instrument is inserted into the anus to visually examine the anal canal.
• Biopsys: A small tissue sample is taken from the suspicious area and examined under a microscope for the presence of cancer cells.
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): A doctor inserts a special ultrasound probe into the rectum to create detailed images of the surrounding tissues and determine if the cancer has spread.
• MRI scan: This imaging test can provide detailed pictures of the anus, rectum, and nearby lymph nodes to assess the extent of the cancer’s spread.

If the doctor failed to diagnose your condition early, contact the anal cancer lawyer now to discuss your potential case.

Stages and Prognosis of Anal Cancer

The stage of anal cancer refers to the size and spread of the tumor. Early stage cancer is confined to the anal canal, while later stages may involve lymph nodes or other distant organs.

The prognosis for anal cancer is generally good when detected and treated early. With treatment, the five-year survival rate for stage I anal cancer is over 80%. However, the prognosis worsens with each stage of advancement.

Treatment Options

The primary treatment for anal cancer typically involves a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Chemotherapy uses medication to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to target and destroy cancer cells in the specific area. In some cases, surgery may also be necessary to remove the tumor or lymph nodes.

Next Step: Contact the Anal Cancer Lawyer

Delaying diagnosis can have significant consequences. As a result, anal cancer can spread to surrounding tissues and lymph nodes, making treatment more complex. This can lead to a more challenging recovery, potentially requiring additional surgery and possibly reducing the chances of a successful outcome.

Anal cancer, though uncommon, is a treatable condition with early detection and intervention. If your doctor failed to diagnose anal cancer early, visit the free consultation page or video. Then contact the Kopec Law Firm at 800-604-0704 to speak directly with Attorney Mark Kopec. He is a top-rated Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer. The Kopec Law Firm is in Baltimore and pursues cases throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C.