Anal Cancer Tests – PAP smear test
The PAP smear test has helped save a number of lives. It has been one of the best ways to test cervical cancer amongst women and has served as a lease for life for those who have detected their cancer at an early age. The anal papilloma screening also known as an Anal PAP can prove to be as effective is detecting anal cancer amongst men.
It is being touted as the best way for men who are straight or bisexual to check whether they may be inflicted by the deadly condition. It is very similar to the exam that is conducted for women. It requires a collection of cells from the rectum and anus of the patient at first. These cells are then examined under a microscope to check if they have undergone any structural changes. If there are any changes there may be reason to worry, however it is good as it is an indicator that proper treatment should be started at the earliest.
The Anal PAP procedure is absolutely painless, quick and very simple. A Dacron swab is used to collect cell samples around the area of the rectum and anus. The anal canal is swabbed off some cell samples to continue with analyzing the change in cell structure. Once the cell samples are collected they are sent to a lab where technicians examine the cells with the help of a microscope and try to pin point changes in the cell structure that indicate cancer. The results however may take a few days.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of anal cancer and your doctor has advised you to go in for an anal PAP, you may have to pay attention to the following to ensure your tests come out right. A day prior to the anal PAP you should practice the following don’ts :
a) Do not indulge in anal sex
b) Do not put any kind of ointments, creams, medications or lubricants in or around your anus
c) Stay away from sex toys and do not get excited 24 hours before your examination
d) Do not take enemas or douche
It is essential that one stays abreast of one’s health and therefore one should not wait until it’s too late to get an anal PAP done. An exam once in every three years can help detect and treat the cancer at an early age. In case there is a certain abnormality that surfaces as a part of the test the supervising physician can take care of these abnormalities by suggesting various non surgical treatments. A few of them are listed below:
Imiquimod: The abnormality detected can be treated with a topical agent called imiquimod. However this may have limited effect as it tends to rub off easily.
Onyx-015: This procedure is still under clinical trials, however it is said that this recombinant adenovirus has the power to kill the cells in the anal cavity that are infected with HPV.
Therapeutic Vaccines: Your physician will only recommend this route to treat the abnormality if you have a strong immune system.
These are just a few treatments that your physician may advise if some abnormality is detected. However you should ensure that you undergo an anal PAP once every three years if you want to stay healthy for a longer period of time by early detection and treatment of a condition that can take away precious years from your life.
So go in for regular examinations and checks and stay careful at all times. Make sure the physician you consult is the best and can offer you only the best advise and treatments.
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Categories: Cancer, Test Tags: Anal Cancer, Anus, Body, Cancer, Detect, Detection, Facts, health, Information, PAP Smear Test, Symptoms, Test
Anal Cancer – Symptoms
Anal cancer is a painful condition that if not detected early can cause you are lot of stress and discomfort. People suffering from anal cancer will have malignant caner cells forming in the tissues of the anus.
The anus is the portion of the body that lies at the end of the large intestine just below the rectum. It is through here that the stool leaves one’s body. The anus is made of certain skin layers of the outer skin of the body and certain layers of intestine. Sphincter muscles are two ring like muscles that open and shut to allow the passage of stool from the body. The portion between the anus and the rectum that is 1½ inches long is known as the anal canal. The perianal area is the skin outside the anus. Tumors that form in this portion are not anal tumors, but skin tumors.
General facts about Anal Cancer:
- Anal cancer is a rare type of cancer and statistics suggest that 1 in 1,00,000 people are likely to be infected by anal cancer
- The incidence is higher amongst men who have sex with men. It is about 35 in 1,00,000
- Men who have sex with men and are HIV positive more likely to get affected by anal cancer as compared to men who have sex with men
- Anal cancer may affect the anus and anatomy nearby. However it is a type of skin cancer
- The condition can be treated successfully if detected at an early stage
- Anal cancer is more common amongst men as compared to women
The chances of developing anal cancer are higher if you are infected with HPV – human papillimavirus. Other risk factors include:
- Most people who are affected by anal cancer are over 50 years
- HPV – human papillomavirus infection
- Having multiple sexual partners increase the risk of contracting the disease
- Receptive anal sex can also cause anal cancer
- Smoking is a risk factor as well
- Anal redness, soreness and swelling can lead to anal cancer as well
- Abnormal openings in the form of anal fistulas can cause anal cancer
Symptoms
A few symptoms of anal cancer are highlighted below, however they could be indication of other illnesses as well and therefore on must consult an expert before arriving at conclusions:
- Lump near the anus
- Bleeding from the rectum or anus
- Bleeding from the anus or rectum
- Recurring pressure or pain around the area of the anus
- Unusual discharge from the anus or itching
- Bowel habits may change
- Genital warts or warts on the anus
The symptoms of anal cancer a first may not seem like something you should worry about. However if the problem is allowed to go on without it being treated and checked by an expert it could lead to a number of problems. Hence it is essential that you consult a doctor once you feel any discomfort around the anal area.
Men who have sex with men are at a high risk of getting anal cancer and hence it is essential that they take all the precaution they can to avoid the painful effects this disease can cause. Consulting a doctor and learning how to take necessary precautions while engaging in anal intercourse can help avoid contracting the painful condition.
Even though anal intercourse is not the main cause of anal cancer, it is one of the most common causes. It is essential that one consults an expert and adheres to the treatment provided as treatment at an early stage can prevent the cancer from spreading.