Anal cancer

Symptoms

Symptoms of anal cancer The symptoms of anal cancer are often similar to more common and less serious conditions affecting the anus, such as piles (haemorrhoids) and anal fissures (small tears or sores). Symptoms of anal cancer can include: bleeding from the bottom (rectal bleeding) itching and pain around the anus small lumps around the anus a discharge of mucus from the anus loss of bowel control (bowel incontinence) However, some people with anal cancer don't have any symptoms. See your GP if you develop any of the above symptoms. While they're unlikely to be caused by anal cancer, it's best to get them checked out.

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.