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Anal Cancer
Anal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the
tissues of the anus.
The anus is the end of the large intestine, below the rectum, through which stool (solid
waste) leaves the body. The anus is formed partly from the outer, skin layers of the body
and partly from the intestine. Two ring-like muscles, called sphincter muscles, open and
close the anal opening to let stool pass out of the body. The anal canal, the part of the
anus between the rectum and the anal opening, is about 1½ inches long.
Gastrointestinal (digestive) system anatomy; shows esophagus, liver,
stomach, colon, small intestine, rectum, and anus
Anatomy of the lower digestive system, showing the colon and other organs.
The skin around the outside of the anus is called the perianal area. Tumors in this area
are skin tumors, not anal cancer.
Being infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV) can affect the risk of developing anal
cancer.
Risk factors for Anal Cancer
Being over 50 years old.
Being infected with human papillomavirus (HPV).
Having many sexual partners.
Having receptive anal intercourse (anal sex).
Frequent anal redness, swelling, and soreness.
Having anal fistulas (abnormal openings).
Smoking cigarettes.
Possible signs of anal cancer include bleeding from the anus or rectum or a lump near the anus.
These and other symptoms may be caused by anal cancer. Other conditions
may cause the same symptoms. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems
occur:
Bleeding from the anus or rectum.
pain or pressure in the area around the anus.
Itching or discharge from the anus.
A lump near the anus.
A change in bowel habits.
Tests that examine the rectum and anus are used to detect (find) and diagnose anal cancer.
The following tests and procedures may be used:
Physical exam and history: An exam of the body to check general signs of health, including
checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. A
history of the patient’s health habits and past illnesses and treatments will also be
taken.
Digital rectal examination (DRE): An exam of the anus and rectum. The doctor or nurse
inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the lower part of the rectum to feel for lumps or
anything else that seems unusual.
Anoscopy: An exam of the anus and lower rectum using a short, lighted tube called an
anoscope.
Proctoscopy: An exam of the rectum using a short, lighted tube called a proctoscope.
Endo-anal or endorectal ultrasound: A procedure in which an ultrasound transducer (probe)
is inserted into the anus or rectum and used to bounce high-energy sound waves
(ultrasound) off internal tissues or organs and make echoes. The echoes form a picture of
body tissues called a sonogram.
Biopsy: The removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope by a
pathologist to check for signs of cancer. If an abnormal area is seen during the anoscopy,
a biopsy may be done at that time.
The prognosis of Anal Cancer depends on the following:
The size of the tumor.
Where the tumor is in the anus.
Whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
The treatment options for Anal Cancerdepend on the following:
The stage of the cancer.
Where the tumor is in the anus.
Whether the patient has human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Whether cancer remains after initial treatment or has recurred.
Information from the National Cancer Institute