A cancer diagnosis or being at higher risk for cancer can bring up a whole host of questions. AHN sees you as a person first and is here to offer compassionate care.
What is anal cancer?
Anal cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the tissues of the anus, the opening at the end of the digestive tract. While it's less common than other types of cancer, it's a serious condition that can be life-threatening if not detected and treated early.
You may be at increased risk of anal cancer if you’ve been diagnosed with high-risk HPV or have a weakened immune system. Knowing the signs, having open dialogue with a compassionate provider, and getting screened regularly can help spot the disease early.
Anal cancer can often be asymptomatic in the early stages. It can be easily mistaken for other conditions, such as hemorrhoids. These symptoms may include:
- Bleeding during bowel movements.
- Pain or discomfort during bowel movements.
- Itching or irritation around the anus.
- A lump or swelling near the anus.
- Changes in bowel habits.
If caught early on, anal cancer survivor rates are promising. The American Cancer Society estimates that people diagnosed with anal cancer between 2012 and 2018 had a relative five-year survival rate of 83% after being first diagnosed.
Colon and Rectal Center of Excellence
The AHN Colon and Rectal Center of Excellence offers some of the newest and most groundbreaking care for the diagnosis and treatment of colon, rectal and anal cancer. As a nationally certified Rectal Cancer Center of Excellence through the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC ), we create individualized care plans for each patient.
Our expert health care professionals include a carefully coordinated team including:
- Surgical subspecialists.
- Medical and radiation oncologists.
- Radiologists.
- Pathologists.
- Geneticists.
Your treatment plan may include chemotherapy, radiation treatments, and surgery, as well as survivorship programs. Throughout this plan you can also count on:
- Advanced practitioners.
- Nurse navigators.
- Financial counselor.
- Palliative care providers.
- Dietitians.
- Physical therapists.
- Non-traditional practitioners.
Anal cancer symptoms and signs
Anal cancer can be asymptomatic in the early stages, so it’s important to see your health care provider regularly for any necessary screenings. Many early symptoms of anal cancer can be similar to hemorrhoids and other anorectal conditions, there are others to be aware of and monitor.
As the cancer grows, symptoms may include:
- Bleeding from the anus or rectum.
- Blood in your stool.
- Pain in the area of your anus.
- A mass or growth in the anal canal.
- Itchy anal area.
- Having to go to the bathroom more often.
Anal cancer risk factors
Certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection increase the risk of developing anal cancer. With an increased number of sexual partners, the likelihood of HPV infection grows, thus raising the risk of anal cancer. Knowing your risk factors can help you be on the lookout for potential changes to your health that you can bring up to your doctor, so issues can be found sooner.
Individuals who may be at increased risk include:
- People living with HIV.
- Men who have sex with men.
- Transgender women.
- People living with an organ transplant, or who take medications that can weaken the immune system.
- Women with a history of high-risk changes on Pap smears, or vulvar/vaginal dysplasia.
- People who smoke.
Anal cancer screening and diagnosis
Staying on top of regular preventive care and getting age-appropriate screenings is key to early detection. Because anal cancer can be asymptomatic, regular screenings are crucial. Anal cancer screening usually entails a physical exam, including an internal exam. If either of these result in abnormal findings, you may be referred for a more in-depth exam which entails a physical exam, a more in-depth internal exam, and potential biopsies of suspicious tissue.
At AHN, we are committed to providing comprehensive, inclusive care. To determine if you may have anal cancer, a colorectal specialist performs a physical exam and discusses your overall health and prognosis. From there, diagnostic tests are performed as needed to ensure we have a whole view of your health and can design a treatment plan that fits your needs.
Other procedures, including an anoscopy, are used for looking at just a portion of the anal canal and lower rectum. With an anoscopy, your doctor can examine the entire area for abnormalities including polyps and suspicious tissue.
It's important to consult with your primary care provider or colorectal specialist to determine whether anal cancer screening is indicated as part of your preventive care.
If you receive an anal cancer diagnosis, the news can feel overwhelming. We see you — and a path forward. Your oncology team will be with you every step of the way and put together a plan that’s specific to your precise diagnosis.
To get to that precise diagnosis, your care team may order more tests and procedures to ensure they have a full understanding of the disease.