Anal cancer can cause red patches on the anus. Pap smears, in which a scraping of cells is taken from the cervix, can detect cervical cancer at its earliest stage when treatment is highly effective. Women who are infected with HIV should receive Pap smears every 6 to 12 months to detect abnormal cervical cells that may develop into cancerous cells if left untreated. Early cervical cancer is managed by burning, freezing or laser destruction of abnormal cells or by surgical removal of affected tissue. More advanced cervical cancer is treated by surgically removing the cervix and uterus, and sometimes the upper vagina and lymph nodes in the area as well, or by radiation or chemotherapy.
Doctors sometimes treat patients with anal cancers by surgically removing the tumorous tissues.
For some patients, however, radiation therapy may be required, or it may be necessary to remove the anus and rectum. The content on mdchoice is intended solely for informational purposes and is in no way intended to be used for making decisions about your healthcare. There is no substitute for discussing your medical and health-related needs with your physician.