Anal Cancer and HPV

In the case of anal cancer and HPV, the cancer develops 2-3 cm inside the anus, from the outer edge of the anus. Most cases are caused by the skin. In this case, malignant tumors are called squamous cell cancer.

However, some anal cancers develop in the layers covering the breech. In this case, it is called cloacogenic cancer. Although there are different types of cancer, the treatment methods are the same. HPV comes from the words Human Papilloma Virus and is a DNA virus.

It has a widespread structure in the world and is transmitted sexually. There are 200 HPV types available today, and most of them do not show Officeal symptoms. Each type is associated with different lesions.

What Are the Symptoms of Anal Cancer?

Anal cancer is seen in many parts of the world. If it is seen in people, a number of symptoms also show themselves. When the symptoms of anal cancer are examined, it is seen that it gives its findings early. Therefore, if you have rectal bleeding, you should go to the doctor as soon as possible.

Apart from bleeding, this type of cancer has some symptoms. It is outlined as follows;

• Swelling in the rectum
• Feeling of mass in the anus
• Recurrent or persistent itching in the anus
• Straining, making defecation difficult
• Thinning stool, rectal discharge
• Swelling of the lymph nodes in the anus and groin area

If you have such complaints, you should go to the doctor as soon as possible. There are a number of risk factors other than what causes rectal cancer. Carrying these makes you more likely to get anal cancer. These are basically as follows;

• Advancing age
• Cigarette consumption
• Suppression of the immune system
• Those with HIV
• Those with chronic local inflammation
• Pelvic radiation
• Anal warts

In addition to these, having anal intercourse also increases the risk factors. Although this type of cancer will not prevent it completely, the risk factors are in a structure that can be reduced. If these are taken care of, it is possible to drop them. Using a condom before sexual intercourse is among them.

What Are the Types of Anal Cancer?

There are many types in anal cancer and HPV. The main lines of these types are seen as follows.

Melanoma

 A type of skin cancer, it starts from cells in the anal lining or skin that produce the pigment melanin.

Basal cell carcinoma

This type of cancer makes up some of the rectal cancers. On the other hand, it can also manifest itself in the skin around the anus.

Adenocarcinoma

It begins in the cells that make up the upper part of the anus or in the mucus-producing glands located under the anal lining.

Cloacogenic Carcinoma

It is a subtype of squamous and affects the cloaca region located in the anus. It causes about 25 percent of anal cancers.

Squamous

Also known as squamous cell carcinoma, it is among the most common types of anal cancers. It starts in the squamous cells that cover the lower part of the anus.

Anal cancer is not only seen in heterosexuals. Anal cancer in homosexuals can manifest itself in any of these types. There are different phases and they are as follows;

1. Stage One: The tumor is 2 cm or less in diameter.
2. Second Stage: The tumor is larger than 2 cm in diameter.
3. Stage 3A: At this stage, anal cancer has spread to nearby organs, including the bladder, urethra, or vagina.
4. Stage 3D: Anal cancer has spread to neighboring organs, lymph nodes. It can also spread to lymph nodes in the pelvis.
5. Stage Four: It may spread to distant sites such as the liver, brain, or lungs.

Early diagnosis is important so that the treatment can give the desired result. The answer to the question of whether there is a cure for rectal cancer is yes. However, diagnosis and diagnosis must be made quickly and applied by specialist physicians.

How Is Anal Cancer Diagnosed?

Anal cancer is commonly caused by HPV. The answer to the question of whether rectal cancer is a serious disease and kills rectal cancer is yes. Because in the United States in 2016, 8000 people were diagnosed with this disease, and 1080 people died due to this disease.

Therefore, it should be taken seriously and its diagnosis should be made at an early stage. Thus, treatment methods can give the desired result better. The diagnostic methods used are as follows;

• Digital rectal: In this method, abnormal growth and lump can be detected in the lower region of the rectum.
• Physical examination: The physical examination informs about the patient's health history and past diseases.
• Endo-anal or endo-rectal ultrasound: The rectum and anal canal are examined with ultrasound, and imaging is taken with high-energy sound waves.
• Anoscopy: Anoscope is used to examine the rectum and anal canal.
• Bioscopy: A sample of tumor tissue is taken and signs of cancer are examined under a microscope.

As a result of these, the stage of the cancer and the areas in which it has spread can be seen.

How to Prevent Anal Cancer?

Anal cancer has a rare structure. However, if the necessary precautions are not taken, it is very easy to be caught. Since anal cancer and HPV are related, it is recommended that you pay attention to your partners and be monogamous. In addition to these, there are also items such as;

• Not having anal intercourse
• Reducing the chance of getting vaccinated
• Not smoking
• To be monogamous

It is also recommended to use condoms during sexual intercourse. However, this does not mean that you will not get anal cancer. Because the unprotected area is still likely to be exposed.

Oral and Throat Cancer and HPV

HPV virus is transmitted by genital, vaginal and oral routes. There are 200 known types, usually genital warts occur. However, high-risk types such as HPV-16 and HPV 18 may play a role in oral and laryngeal cancers. Oral and laryngeal cancer and HPV may therefore be related.

Their symptoms appear in the early stages. These are physically manifested in the gums, mouth and palate. In summary, these symptoms are as follows:

• Chronic sores on the palate, tongue or in the mouth that do not go away
• Swelling in any part of the head and neck
• Difficulty in swallowing and chewing due to sores and swellings in the mouth
• Ongoing change in voice level, hoarseness
• Difficulty speaking and breathing
• Pain, aching or ringing sensation in the ear area

One of the most common ways of transmission of HPV is the oral route. It is associated with it in 35 percent of throat cancers and 25 percent of mouth cancers.

Oral and Throat Cancer Treatment Methods

Cancer types have increased tremendously in recent years. Among them, head and neck cancers are among the types that can be overcome with early diagnosis and correct treatment. Some of these treatment methods are as follows;

• Surgery: Neck and head cancers are often treated with first-choice surgery. However, in the early stages of cancer, it is preferred if it has not spread too much.
• Radiotherapy: If surgical intervention is insufficient or there are situations that cannot be applied, radiation therapy is used.
• Chemotherapy: It is widely used in cancer treatments and is used together with radiotherapy in head and neck cancers.
• Immunotherapy: Head and neck cancers are protected from the effects of immunity by secretion of protein, as in other types. Thus, reproduction becomes possible. Immunotherapy strengthens the defense system.

While treating HPV in the mouth, a method is determined by considering the people.

Vulva And Vagina Cancer And HPV

Vulva and Vaginal cancer are among the cancer types seen in women. It is curable if diagnosed early. Although its causes are not known exactly, it develops due to mutations in cells. risk factors for its development,

• HIV Virus,
• Some Skin Diseases,
• advancing age,
• HPV

is in the form.

Vulvar cancer does not show itself much in the early stages. However, if it progresses, there are some symptoms. The said symptoms are as follows;

• Itches
• Pains in the groin
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Pains while urinating
• Having a skin rash
• Itching in the external genitalia
• Abnormal bleeding
• Combustion
• Swelling or bumps on the outer surface
• Non-healing wounds
• Thickening of the Skin
• Wart

This is how the symptoms of vulvar cancer are outlined. However, in order to make a definitive diagnosis, a physical examination is required. Treatment methods are surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In determining the treatment method, conditions such as the age of the person and the stage of the cancer come to the fore.

Vaginal Cancer And HPV

Vaginal cancer is located in the area of ​​the birth canal or on the inner wall of the vagina. If it is outside the vagina, it is called the vulva. While many studies have been conducted on why this occurs, there is no certainty yet. On the other hand, the general view is that cancer cells are formed with DNA degradation and mutations.

Vaginal cancer symptoms are not much different from Vulvar cancer. These are basically as follows;

• Bloody vaginal discharge
• Bleeding during or after sexual intercourse
• Pelvic and groin pain
• Lump or mass in the vagina
• Burning sensation during urination
• Frequent urination
• Chronic constipation

Vaginal cancer often presents late symptoms. Therefore, it can be detected during routine screenings or when the symptoms of vaginal cancer are very severe. During the gynecological examination, the patient's history is taken and a physical examination is performed. A piece of tissue is taken from the region with the bleeding structure and tumorous structure in the vagina and its walls and sent for biopsy.

Thus, when the results come, it can be determined whether there is cancer, and if it is, its stage and stage. With the recommendation of the doctor, scans such as PET and MR can also be performed. The smear test is also performed.

HPV in Homosexuals

It has been known for a long time that HPV causes cervical cancers. On the other hand, recent studies have shown that it is also important in anus and mouth cancers. Genital contacts or using tools that come into contact with genital areas without cleaning increase the risk of HPV transmission. Therefore, it can also be seen in lesbians.

Anal cancer occurs in those who have sexual intercourse through the anus. For this reason, it can manifest itself not only in heterosexuals, but also in gay and lesbian individuals. Anal smear test should be performed in order to detect and interfere with these.

Therefore, there are some items that should be considered in order to prevent rectal cancer in homosexuals. These are the same ways to prevent anal cancer. In addition, toys used for sexual purposes by lesbians should not be reused without cleaning.

The presence of HPV in lesbians can be seen with a routine PAP Smear test. However, having abnormalities during the test does not necessarily indicate that you have cancer. A negative test does not mean that you are not/will not be again.

Therefore, your doctor may take different tests from you in addition to the PAP Smear test. Examining all of them will provide more accurate results. If your result is positive, the treatment methods applied do not differ.

Therefore, if you suspect or want to be tested for anal cancer, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and diagnosis provides better results if it is positive.