Anal Cancer

The term "anal cancer" usually refers to a squamous cell cancer (SCC) of the anal canal, which represents the majority of cancers arising in the anal region. However, SCCs can also arise in the perianal skin and in the rectum, and SCCs arising at these sites are generally treated in the same manner as anal canal SCCs. On the other hand, the treatment paradigm for anal adenocarcinomas, which are much less common than anal SCCs, is similar to that for rectal adenocarcinomas, with resection representing an important component of multimodality therapy for most patients.

What is anal cancer? Anal cancer happens when normal cells lining the anus change into abnormal cells and grow out of control. The anus is the last part of the digestive tract where bowel movements leave the body.

What are the symptoms of anal cancer? Anal cancer does not always cause symptoms at first. People who do have symptoms can have:

• Bleeding from their anus

• Pain in or around their anus

• A growth in their anus

• Itching in their anus

All of these symptoms can also be caused by conditions that are not cancer. But if you have these symptoms, tell your doctor or nurse.

Is there a test for anal cancer? Yes. To check for anal cancer, your doctor or nurse will look at your anus and do a "digital rectal exam." During this, your doctor will put a gloved finger into your anus and lower rectum to feel for abnormal growths.

They might also do one or more of these tests:

• Anoscopy: A short tube with a light (called an anoscope) is used to look inside your anus and rectum.

• Biopsy: A small tissue sample is taken and examined under a microscope for cancer cells.

Doctors sometimes find abnormal "pre-cancer" cells in the anus. These might be treated or monitored to prevent cancer development.

What is anal cancer staging? Staging helps doctors find out if the cancer has spread and how far. The right treatment depends on the stage and your overall health.

How is anal cancer treated?

• Radiation therapy: Uses radiation to kill cancer cells.

• Chemotherapy: Uses medicines to kill or stop cancer cells from growing.

Sometimes, surgery is needed if other treatments do not work or if the cancer comes back.

What happens after treatment? You will have regular follow-up exams, including digital rectal exams and anoscopy. Imaging tests might also be used. Watch for symptoms like bleeding, pain, or lumps, and tell your doctor if they appear.

What happens if the cancer comes back or spreads? You might need more chemotherapy or surgery.