Unknown anal cancer You should recognize these first symptoms of anal cancer

Anal cancer: Relatively high chance of survival with good treatment

The actress Marcia Cross, known from the series Desperate Housewives, announced through her Instagram account that she was suffering from anal cancer. After chemotherapy, she was now fully recovered. Proctologist Prof. dr. Explains what the rare disease is all about, how it is treated, and what sequelae may plague the actress. Dr. Stefan Hillejan.

For many an unknown topic or even a taboo subject: anal cancer. How does the disease express itself? Which therapy and early detection methods are available? The expert Prof. (Univ. Chisinau) Dr. Dr. Stefan Hillejan, Phlebologist and Proctologist from the Clinic for Venous and Disease of the Thoracic Diseases in Hanover and Chairman of the Professional Association of Qualified Medical Experts in Germany:

"Under anal cancer, also called anal cancer, doctors understand a malignant tumor of the anus. Only about one in every 100,000 people suffer from anal cancer in his life, making him one of the rarer types of cancer. As with hemorrhoids, symptoms include itching, pain during bowel movements and blood in the stool or on the toilet paper. For these signs, therefore, sufferers should consult a specialist who takes a tissue sample of the affected area during rectoscopy and has it examined in the laboratory.

If it is an anal cancer, the tumor is surgically removed or radiotherapy performed, possibly in combination. Often the tumor is removed, only in rare cases patients need an artificial intestinal outlet. In addition, it can lead to fecal incontinence. After successful treatment, patients must undergo regular follow-up to rule out the possibility of the cancer returning. Five years after treatment, the survival rate is comparatively high at around 80%. "(Sb)