 | | | | | Anal Cancer More info on this condition | |
| | | Diagnosis | | | | | Anal cancers are generally discovered by physical inspection and palpation of the anus. A digital rectal exam (DRE) can help doctors determine the stage of anal cancer and whether it has spread into the rectum. During a DRE a doctor, wearing thin gloves, puts a finger into the rectum and gently feels for lumps or material in the rectum, such as blood, that may be left on the glove. It is recommended that anyone older than 50 have a DRE every five to 10 years, even if they have no symptoms of anal cancer. DRE is also used to diagnose rectal cancer.
If there is reason to suspect cancer following a DRE, a doctor may perform a biopsy. This procedure involves cutting a small piece of tissue from the area that is suspected to contain cancerous cells and examining it under a microscope. Small tumors may be removed during the biopsy. A biopsy of nearby lymph nodes may also be performed, to see if the anal cancer has spread through the lymph system.
Imaging tests such as a CT scan (computerized tomography) show how large the cancer is and whether and how far it has spread. A CT scan, consists of an X-ray that takes pictures of the anal region from many different angles. Then a computer will combine all of these images into a detailed, cross-sectional view. Sometimes a special dye is injected to help provide better detail.
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