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The anus is the opening at the lower end of the intestines. When you eat, food passes from the stomach to the small intestine. It then travels from the small intestine to the lower intestine (colon). The colon absorbs water and salt from the food. The rest is then passed out of the body as waste through the anus.
Like the other organs and muscles in your body, the anus has cells that grow and multiply. If these cells become cancerous, you may develop anal cancer.
Anal cancer is most often found in the smooth squamous [SKWAY-muhs] cells that line most of the anal canal. These are called squamous cell carcinomas.
Less common are adenocarcinomas [ad-n-oh-kahr-suh-NOH-muhs], which start in the glandular cells near the rectum. These cells create mucous which helps stool (poop) pass through the anal canal.
Either type of cancer can spread to other parts of the body, including the rectum and colon.
Not all tumors that form in the anus are cancerous. Some are benign [beh-NINE] (noncancerous). Common benign tumors include:
If these tumors, or growths, are not detected and removed, they can become cancerous (malignant) over time.
In early stages, anal cancer may cause no symptoms. Bleeding is often the first sign of the disease. Other symptoms of anal cancer include:
If you have any of these symptoms, see your healthcare provider right away. Many of the symptoms are likely to be caused by benign conditions, like hemorrhoids or fissures, but it’s important to know what’s causing them. Bleeding may be a symptom of another medical condition that may need immediate treatment.
The exact cause of anal cancer is not known. Research has shown that many anal cancers are linked to:
If you have symptoms of anal cancer, your doctor will ask about your medical history to rule out other potential causes and will likely perform a digital rectal exam to feel for lumps or other abnormalities. Other tests may include:
If cancer is detected, your doctor may order additional imaging tests to see if the cancer has spread. These tests may include:
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If diagnosed with anal cancer, your care team will discuss treatment options with you. Your treatment plan will depend on the type of anal cancer you have and whether or not it has spread. Some common treatments for anal cancer are listed below.
It is impossible to prevent anal cancer completely. The best way to reduce the risk of developing anal cancer is to: