Prevention►
|
About
90% of anal squamous cell carcinoma occurs in patients with detectable evidence
of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection.
Preventive steps of demonstrable benefit
include:
Receive HPV vaccination
Avoidance of high risk behaviors which
increase the risk of or facilitate the acquisition of HPV infection such as
having multiple sexual partners and engaging in receptive anal intercourse
Perform anal pap testing in patients with a
past history of carcinomas of the cervix, vagina, or vulva (These increase the
risk of anal cancer three-fold. Detection and treatment of precancerous lesions
can reduce the risk that these patients will require treatment for anal cancer
in the future.)
Stop smoking, since smoking increases the
risk of anal cancer
Avoid high risk behaviors for the
acquisition of HIV disease (Chronic immunosuppression in men who have sex with
men increases the risk of anal cancer 30-fold.)
Carefully monitor transplant recipients on
immunosuppressant drugs with anal pap smears as discussed (Transplant
recipients have a three-fold increased risk of anal cancer.)
Prognosis►
|
Anal
cancer is usually curable when found localized. Early detection remains the key
to long-term survival as it is in many forms of cancer. The 5-year survival
rates by anal cancer stage and cell type include:
Squamous cell: 71% for stage I, 64%
for stage II, 48% for stage IIIA, 43% for stage IIIB, and 21% for stage IV
Non-squamous: 59% for stage I, 53%
for stage II, 38% for stage IIIA, 24% for stage IIIB, and 7% for stage IV
