specialist explains illness that affected Anderson

Singer Anderson Leonardo, lead singer of the group Molejo, died this Friday (26/4), victim of cancer in the inguinal region. In medical circles, the terminology is used to designate “belly cancer”, without specifically saying which organs were affected by the disease.

Among the places that can be affected by this cancer are the lymph nodes, which act as a filter for substances harmful to the body. However, the disease does not originate in them. “Cancer normally originates in other organs and spreads throughout the region. It can be cancers of the penis, vulva, anal canal, intestine, among others”, explains Daniel Vargas, oncologist at Oncoclínicas Brasília, to Mail.

In Anderson’s case, it was not known in which organ the cancer originated. It is likely, however, that the disease has spread to important organs of the body, due to the degree of aggressiveness of the tumor.

The inguinal region is delicate, according to Vargas, as it houses essential structures for the body. “It is a critical region and prone to possible complications, because there are important blood vessels, such as the branch of the aorta artery (which leaves the heart), as well as essential structures of the lymphatic and nervous system.” Surgery in this region, depending on the affected organ, may be more difficult to perform.

Treatment for cancer in the inguinal region can be done with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery (if possible) and, in some cases, immunotherapy.

Preventing tumors in the region can be achieved by maintaining healthy lifestyle habits — and also having the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine up to date, considers Vargas. “Tumors in the penis, vagina and vulva and anus can spread throughout the region, and are caused by HPV infection. The best way to prevent these tumors is through the vaccine against the virus, which is available in the Unified System of Health”, he concludes.