Anal cancer vs. hemorrhoids: How to know the difference
You may feel a bit uncomfortable talking about issues with your bottom, but you shouldn’t. It’s important to see a doctor if you’re experiencing symptoms like pain, itching or bleeding in your anus – don’t ignore them.
Your doctor can determine if your symptoms are due to benign conditions like hemorrhoids or something more serious like anal cancer.
The symptoms for hemorrhoids and anal cancer can be similar, but they are...
5-time cancer survivor: Dual diagnoses led me to MD Anderson
The first time I had cancer, I was in my late 20s. What I thought was a persistent zit on my nose turned out to be basal cell carcinoma. I...
What is a total pelvic exenteration?
“Exenteration” refers to a complex surgery in which organs, bones and other structures are removed from the pelvis in order to treat cancer...
Anoscopy explained: Purpose, process and results
An anoscopy is a procedure that examines the lining of the anal canal to help diagnose anal conditions. Anoscopies can help doctors diagnose anal cancer, anal melanoma and benign conditions, such as anal dysplasia, hemorrhoids, fissures and fistulas.
As a colon and rectal surgeon, I perform about 500 anoscopies each year. Here, I’ll answer common questions about anoscopies.
Why would I need an anoscopy?You...
Demystifying the well-woman: What to expect during this annual exam
If you’ve never had a well-woman exam before, you might be wondering what to expect. Is it similar to an annual physical? Which parts of your...
What is anal dysplasia? Causes, treatment and outlook
Anal dysplasia is a condition in which cells in the anal canal change and become abnormal. Anal dysplasia is not cancer. But it can turn into...
I have HPV. Now what?
We all hope the awkwardness is over after we get our Pap and HPV tests. So hearing that you have tested positive for HPV can be a blow...
14 common anal cancer questions
Anal cancer can be hard to talk about. And, even when it is talked about, anal cancer is often mistaken for — or lumped together with...
3 myths about anal cancer, debunked
Anal cancer is a fairly rare type of cancer that develops in the anus and anal canal. About 8,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with anal...
Anal cancer vs. colorectal cancer: What’s the difference?
Anal cancer and colorectal cancer both develop in the lower gastrointestinal tract, but these types of cancer differ in many ways.  ...