Anal cancer

Causes

What are risk factors for anal cancer? Anal cancer can occur in any person, but some people have a higher risk of developing it than others. Risk factors include: Human papilloma virus infection (HPV): HPV is a group of viruses that are sexually transmitted and remain in the body after infection. HPV is present in most cases of anal cancer. It was also the leading cause of cervical cancer before the introduction of routine Pap smears. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): HIV, the precursor to AIDS, puts people at a higher risk of anal cancer, because it compromises your immune system. Sexual activity: Having multiple sex partners and having receptive anal sex can increase your risk of getting anal cancer. Not wearing barrier protection, like condoms, also increases the risk of anal cancer due to increased risk of contracting HPV. Smoking: Smokers are more likely to develop cancer of the anus, even if they quit smoking. Weak immune systems: This can leave your body defenseless against anal cancer and is most common in people with HIV and people who take immunosuppressants or who have had an organ transplant. Old age: Most cases of anal cancer occur in people over the age of 50, according to the Mayo Clinic. What causes anal cancer? Anal cancer is caused by the development of abnormal cells in the body. These abnormal cells can grow uncontrollably and accumulate, forming masses known as tumors. Cancer cells can metastasize, or spread to other parts of the body and interfere with normal functions. Anal cancer is thought to be caused in part by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease. It’s prevalent in a majority of anal cancer cases. Anal cancer may also be caused by other cancers in the body spreading to the anal canal. In other words, cancer develops somewhere else in the body first and then metastasizes to the anus.

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on
Medical Author: Dr. med. Diana Hysi

Articles for anal cancer

Introduction

Cancer cells that form into benign or malignant tumors in the tissues of the anus are anal cancer which affects the very end of the colon. The anus is the opening at the bottom of your intestines where stools exit the body. Some noncancerous forms of anal cancer can turn cancerous over time.

Symptoms

Anal cancer often exhibits similar symptoms to other diseases such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures, hence is often accompanied by hemorrhage. Symptoms can include bleeding from the bottom (rectal bleeding), itching and pain around the anus, etc. It could happen that certain patients suffering from anal cancer may not exhibit the aforementioned signs.

Causes

Anal cancer can occur in any person, but some people have a higher risk of developing it than others. Anal cancer is caused by the development of abnormal cells in the body that can grow uncontrollably and accumulate, forming masses known as tumors.

Diagnosis

Your GP will ask about your symptoms and carry out some examinations. If the doctor sense unexplainable ulcers in the anus, he recommends treatment and another visit in approximately two weeks. If following two weeks, the patient still suffers from residual symptoms, then the physician refers the patient to the hospital for further examinations.

Treatment

The treatment of anal cancer is a very complex process which often includes the involvement of multiple specialized physicians and varying courses of treatment. In cases where the cancer has spread and can't be cured, chemotherapy alone may be considered to help relieve symptoms.