If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with anal cancer, you may have a lot of initial questions about treatment. At the OSUCCC – James, our multidisciplinary team of experts is specially trained in providing comprehensive and customized anal cancer treatment plans for you. We offer the latest treatment options designed to minimize downtime and provide optimal outcomes so you can get back to daily living.
Treatment options for anal cancer
Surgery
Surgery is not the primary treatment for anal cancer. Surgical removal of anal cancer is indicated when nonoperative treatments (chemotherapy and radiation) fail. Tumors and any part of the diseased tissue will be removed during surgery.
Depending on the location, type and size of your tumor, your surgeon will most likely decide between one of two surgeries:
Local resection
If the tumor is small and has not spread and is located at a favorable location, your surgeon may choose to remove the tumor and some of the tissue surrounding the anus. The muscles surrounding the area are spared, if possible, to allow control of bowel movements after recovery.
Abdominoperineal resection
In this procedure, a surgeon removes the anus, rectum and part of the colon. The intestine is redirected to an opening in the abdomen, called a stoma. A special bag is attached to the stoma to collect waste, in lieu of the body’s normal bowel movements.
During surgery, the surgeon may also remove lymph nodes surrounding the area to determine whether they contain cancer. This type of surgery is often required for large tumors or those that have grown into the abdominal wall.
In addition to surgery, you may receive additional treatments as well:
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses X-rays to reach and destroy cancer cells. Radiation is often used to treat specific areas of the body. The type and method of radiation given will depend on the stage of the anal cancer. Radiation, in conjunction with chemotherapy, is often used as the primary treatment for anal cancer.
There are two types of radiation therapy used for anal cancer treatment:
External radiation therapy
External radiation therapy uses a machine outside the body to send radiation toward the cancer. The procedure is very quick, painless and usually conducted over a series of treatments.
Internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy)
Internal radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance sealed in needles, seeds, wires or catheters that are placed directly into or near the cancer. This is often less common in anal cancer treatments.
The way the radiation therapy is given depends on the type and stage of the cancer being treated.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses specialized drugs to stop the growth of anal cancer cells, either by destroying the cells or by preventing them from making new cells. Chemotherapy is used as primary treatment for anal cancer with radiation therapy.
Sometimes, chemotherapy is also given if anal cancer has spread to other parts of the body, including lymph nodes and other organs. Your doctors will determine the specific medications you should receive as part of your overall treatment plan.
Anal cancer clinical trials
If you’re a candidate for an anal cancer clinical trial, your doctors will determine what treatments you may be eligible to receive. The OSUCCC – James is one of only a few U.S. cancer centers funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to conduct phase I and phase II clinical trials on novel anal cancer drugs. These trials go only to centers that demonstrate an exemplary capacity for research and clinical care. This means you may be eligible for clinical trial treatments sooner that you may not be able to get anywhere else.
If you have received an anal cancer diagnosis, or if you want a second opinion or just want to speak to an anal cancer specialist, we are here to help you. Call 800-293-5066 or 614-293-5066 to make an appointment.
Related Resources
Anal Cancer Prevention and Risk Factors
Anal Cancer Screening and Diagnosis
Anal Cancer Symptoms
Anal Cancer Treatment Team