Anal Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version

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ANAL CANCER

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General Information About Anal Cancer

KEY POINTS

Anal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the anus.
Being infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV) increases the risk of developing anal cancer.
Signs of anal cancer include bleeding from the anus or rectum or a lump near the anus.
Tests that examine the rectum and anus are used to detect (find) and diagnose anal cancer.
Certain factors affect the prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.

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 and let stool pass out of the body. The anal canal, the part of the anus between the rectum and the anal opening, is about 1-1½ 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) increases the risk of developing anal cancer.

Risk factors include the following:

Being infected with human papillomavirus (HPV).
Having many sexual partners.
Having receptive anal intercourse (anal sex).
Being older than 50 years.
Frequent anal redness, swelling, and soreness.
Having anal fistulas (abnormal openings).
Smoking cigarettes.

Signs of anal cancer include bleeding from the anus or rectum or a lump near the anus.

These and other signs and symptoms may be caused by anal cancer or by other conditions. Check with your doctor if you have any of the following:

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.
ENLARGE
Digital rectal exam (DRE). The doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum and feels the prostate to check for anything abnormal.
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.