Anal Cancer
What is anal cancer?
Cancer describes a set of diseases in which normal cells in the body, through a series of genetic changes, lose the ability to control their growth. As cancers grow, they invade the tissues around them (local invasion). They may also spread to other locations in the body via the blood vessels or lymphatic channels where they may implant and grow (metastases).
The anal canal is a passage that connects the rectum to the outside of the body. Anal cancer arises from the cells around the anal opening or in the anal canal just inside the anal opening. Anal cancers arise from skin cells and are called squamous cell carcinomas. Cells that are becoming malignant but have not invaded deep to the skin are referred to as "high grade dysplasia", "carcinoma-in-situ" or "Bowen's disease".
Who is at risk?
Anal cancer is commonly associated with the human papilloma virus (HPV). This virus causes warts in and around the anus and on the cervix in women. It is associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer in women.
What are the symptoms of anal cancer?
Many cases of anal cancer can be found early. Anal cancers form in a part of the digestive tract that the doctor can see and reach easily. Anal cancers often cause symptoms such as:
- Bleeding from the rectum or anus
- The feeling of a lump or mass at the anal opening
- Pain in the anal area
- Persistent or recurrent itching
- Change in bowel habits (having more or fewer bowel movements) or increased straining during a bowel movement
- Narrowing of the stools
- Discharge (mucous or pus) from the anus
-
Swollen lymph
nodes (glands) in the anal or groin areas.
These symptoms can also be caused by less serious conditions such as hemorrhoids but you should never assume this. If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor.