Anal Cancer

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Anal Cancer Facts

Facts
Anal cancer occurs on the anus, which is the opening at the end of the large intestine, below the rectum. There are different types of cancer that can occur on the anus, depending on which layer of cells is affected:

  • Squamous cell carcinoma – the most common type, begins in the outer lining of the anal canal
  • Cloacogenic carcinoma – starts between the outer part of the anus and the lower part of the rectum, affecting about 25 percent of patients
  • Adenocarcinoma – comes from the glands that make mucous, located under the anal lining
  • Basal cell carcinoma – a form of skin cancer that can occur on the skin around the anus
  • Melanoma – another form of skin cancer that occurs in the anal lining that darkens the skin.
This disease most often occurs in people between the ages of 50 and 80. In 2009, the American Society of Clinical Oncology estimates that 5,290 adults will be diagnosed with anal cancer (2,100 men and 3,190 women) in the United States.
 
Symptoms
Symptoms experienced with anal cancer can also indicate other problems, and not necessarily cancer. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any symptoms you are concerned about, especially, bleeding, pain, or pressure in the anal area, itching, swelling, or if a lump is present near the anus, or you experience a change in bowel habits or diameter of the stool.
 
Diagnosis
In addition to a physical exam, several tests may be used to diagnose anal cancer including a digital rectal exam, anoscopy (a thin, lighted, flexible tube), biopsy, ultrasound, computed tomography, MRI, positron emission tomography, or X-ray.
 
Risk Factors
While there isn’t any known cause for anal cancer, there are factors that may contribute to its development, including the human papillomavirus (HPV), smoking, and lowered immunity.
 
The HPV virus causes venereal warts which can be found around the anus. There are different strains of HPV and some are associated with anal cancer more than others. HPV is most often spread through sexual contact, particularly anal intercourse. People with many sex partners have an increased risk of contracting HPV.
 
Smoking is dangerous to your health and smokers are eight times more likely to get anal cancer than nonsmokers, according to the Society of Clinical Oncology.
 
Lowered immunity makes it difficult to fight disease and more likely to develop cancer. People with HIV or who have had transplanted organs have a lowered immunity.