What is the treatment for anal cancer?

Treatment for anal cancer will depend on various factors, including how big the tumor is, whether or not it has spread, where it is, and the general health of the patient. If the tumor is small it can be removed surgically, and that's it.

The type of surgery a patient will require depends on the size and position of the tumor.

Resection - this removes a small tumor and some surrounding tissue. This type of surgery can only be carried out if the anal sphincter is not sacrificed. Patients who undergo a resection do not have their ability to pass a bowel movement affected.

Abdominoperineal resection - the anus, rectum and a section of the bowel are surgically removed. The patient will need a colostomy - the end of the bowel is brought out onto the skin on the surface of the abdomen. A bag is placed over the stoma - the opening of the bowel - and collects the stools (feces) outside the patient's body. Although this sounds shocking, people with colostomies can lead normal lives, play sports and have active sex lives.

In most cases, the patient will probably have to undergo chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy

Radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy treatments (chemoradiation) are commonly used to destroy the anal cancer cells. Treatments are either given simultaneously or consecutively. This combined therapy approach has led to a much higher percentage of patients with an intact anal sphincter - survival and cure rates are good.

Chemotherapy uses cytotoxic drugs (antineoplastics) - cytotoxic drugs prevent the cancer cells from dividing. They are administered either by injection or orally.

Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays that destroy the cancer cells. This can be given by an external beam or internally (brachytherapy).