Our body, as we all know, is an almost perfect machine, programmed to warn us when something is wrong. However, thanks to daily commitments and lack of time, it is increasingly difficult to listen to the signals coming from our body. This leads us to underestimate symptoms and physical problems, or to postpone visits and diagnostic tests that could, instead, save our lives.
In reality, however, it can also happen that completely asymptomatic disorders are present in our body. To give an example, there are various types of cancer that remain silent for a long time, such as that of the pancreas or that of the intestinal orifice.
In the next few lines we will talk about this last tumor, which in Italy alone affects 1,000 cases a year. We will therefore try to clarify the symptoms and risk factors associated with this disorder and the various prevention strategies available today.
Not everyone knows that itching, pain and bleeding in this area of the body could be the antechamber of a tumor
As we all know, food, once ingested, passes through the entire digestive system, only to be transformed into faeces. The latter, after a stop in the rectum, pass into the perineal rectum from which they are then expelled through the orifice.
In most cases, the tumor could form right inside the intestinal canal, which is lined with a mucous membrane made up of a layer of cells. Or, it could also form from the cells lining the orifice itself (in this case we speak of squamous cell cancer).
Among the main causes of orifice cancer are age and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Most infections would occur through intercourse (even protected), but smokers or people with weak immune systems could also get sick.
Symptoms and prevention
The tumor in this genital area, as we said, could remain silent for a long time. In some cases, however, there may be abnormal discharge from the orifice, swollen lymph nodes or an alternation between diarrhea and constipation. Also, not everyone knows that itching, pain and bleeding in this area could be the first symptoms of this disease. However, it must be remembered that these symptoms are also common to other disorders and that one should, therefore, consult your doctor for a correct diagnosis.
As for prevention, on the other hand, in addition to paying close attention during intercourse, it is also important to get vaccinated against HPV. It is also advisable to undergo periodic tests to keep a possible infection under control, as well as to stop smoking.
Recommended reading
Here are the visits and exams to be done at 40, 50 or 60 years to prevent tumors and diseases