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Anal cancer is usually squamous cell carcinoma, originating from the anal canal mucosa, and is closely associated with HPV infection. Although uncommon, incidence is increasing among high-risk groups such as immunocompromised individuals and those with unsafe sexual practices. Western countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia report more cases, while Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines have also seen rising cases in recent years.
The main hazards of anal cancer include local tumor erosion, lymphatic spread, and distant metastasis. When the tumor invades the anal sphincter, it causes pain, difficulty in defecation, and even incontinence. Advanced patients are prone to infection, ulcer bleeding, and in severe cases, compromised quality of life and survival.
Stage I: Confined to the anal canal mucosa
The lesion does not invade the sphincter, and symptoms are mild. This stage offers the best treatment outcome, with surgery or radiotherapy achieving a high cure rate, and the 5-year survival rate exceeds 80%.
Stage II: Invades sphincter but no lymph node metastasis
Cancer cells spread to the sphincter but do not involve lymph nodes. Treatment requires concurrent chemoradiotherapy, with a 5-year survival rate of about 60%-70%.
Stage III: Regional lymph node involvement
The lesion progresses to regional lymph nodes, requiring combined surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Treatment becomes more complex at this stage, with a 5-year survival rate of about 40%-50%.
Stage IV: Distant organ metastasis
Cancer cells spread to distant organs such as the lungs and liver. Treatment focuses on delaying progression. The 5-year survival rate is below 20%, with poor prognosis.
1. Painless anal bleeding
The early symptom is a small amount of bright red bleeding during or after defecation, often mistaken for hemorrhoids or constipation, which delays correct diagnosis.
2. Persistent anal pain
As the tumor grows, persistent pain occurs in the anal or perineal area, worsening during defecation or prolonged sitting, requiring attention.
3. Anal mass or ulcer
The tumor may form a hard mass on the surface, with some lesions developing ulceration, exudation, or necrosis, accompanied by odor or minor bleeding, indicating disease progression.
4. Abnormal bowel habits and frequent urge to defecate
Tumor compression of the anal canal causes frequent urge to defecate, but with little stool output, feeling of incomplete evacuation, or severe thinning of stool.
5. Purulent-bloody discharge
When the lesion ulcerates, purulent and bloody discharge with foul odor may occur, often misdiagnosed as anal abscess or hemorrhoidal infection.
6. Constipation or difficulty in defecation
Tumor compression leads to straining, constipation, or obstruction of defecation mechanisms, with some patients requiring supportive devices for bowel movements.
7. Inguinal lymph node enlargement
Cancer cells may metastasize to inguinal lymph nodes, presenting as unilateral or bilateral enlargement, hardness, and tenderness, serving as an important sign of metastasis.
8. Leg edema or heaviness
When the tumor compresses lymphatic or blood vessels, unilateral or bilateral leg edema and heaviness may occur, worsening with activity.
9. Weight loss and fatigue
Tumor erosion and chronic bleeding cause anemia and metabolic abnormalities, resulting in extreme fatigue and significant weight loss.
10. Anxiety and sleep disorders
Facing cancer diagnosis and persistent symptoms, patients often experience anxiety, depression, and insomnia, which affect recovery.
Experts at United Life International Medical Center emphasize: Early symptoms of anal cancer, such as bleeding, pain, and masses, should prompt immediate medical evaluation. Diagnosis through imaging, pathological biopsy, and HPV testing, combined with comprehensive treatment including immune reconstruction cell therapy, can significantly improve treatment outcomes and survival. Early detection and early intervention are the keys to higher cure rates and better quality of life.
