Just Diagnosed

mp327 said:

Pam
I can't really answer all of your questions, but I will tell you that from everything I've ever read about carcinoma-in-situ of the anal canal, it it not treated with chemo/radiation. However, if your report says "invasive squamous cell carcinoma," this seems contradictory to me, leaving me somewhat confused. So, I think you have a lot more questions to ask your doctor(s). I know that some people diagnosed with anal cancer have had their tumors excised and clear margins have been achieved (which sounds like MOH's surgery was used to me, but I'm not sure). However, I think most of them go ahead with chemo/rad to make sure any rogue cells are killed off. Anal cancer can be a sneaky beast and every effort should be made to rid a person of all bad cells.

I would say you and your doctors need to nail down whether or not you do have full-blown cancer or carcinoma-in-situ first, as like I said above, the treatment may be different. Also, I would seek a second opinion before getting any surgery to remove the tumor, the issue being whether or not radiation would be advisable afterwards if it found to be necessary. I would definitely ask the doctor who treated you for the melanoma if she's ever treated anyone else for anal cancer with the MOH's procedure and what their outcome was. You don't want to be a guinea pig here. Do your research and see if there is anything on the internet about this from a reputable source, of course. It would seem a good idea to me to have your colorectal doctor or other doctor(s) consult with your doctor who is considering the MOH's procedure. They really all need to be on the same page and in agreement as to the best treatment for you. I wish you all the best and hope you'll keep us posted.

to mp327
Well I will have a definate answer tomorrow but my report does read "Invasive Squamous cell carcinoma of the anus, minute focus invading into dermis at base of biopsy". There is a 2nd bullet point that reads "Focus of in situ squamous dysplasia" which leads me to believe the tumor is cancer and there is dysplasia as well that needs to be treated. Guess I will find out tomorrow for sure. Thank you so some clarity. I'm sure I will be back on the board shortly looking for more guidance.

mp327 said:

Hi Pam
I am not a doctor, but it sounds to me like you are interpreting the report correctly. It is possible to have both a tumor and dysplasia. I hope you get some concrete answers tomorrow. Good luck!

Diagnosis
Got a clear diagnosis from my colorectal surgeon today. The only thing not in yet is the results from my chest ct scan which he sent me on to after our appt. I am stage 1 which is what I suspected. He referred to it as stage 1 invasive anal cancer. My tumor is about 1 to 1.5 cm and I got to see it's ugly image today. Surgery is not an option because of placement which is in the canal. He set me up with my radiologist for Monday and my oncologist on Wednesday of next week. I feel relieved and scared all at once. Definately going to be a different holiday season for our family. It all feels so real now. I'm a cancer patient! Can someone remind me where the site for needed items for treatment might be? I know I saw it but can't seem to find it now. I was also going to ask if any of you kept your jobs working with the public thru the chemo portion of treatment. I work at a library with my hands all over dirty books and lots of public contact. Thank you and so glad you are all here.