Anal cancer is a rare gastrointestinal cancer. Whether you or a loved one has been diagnosed with the disease, at the OSUCCC – James we understand that you may have questions about it. Our experts are here to guide you from diagnosis to treatment and beyond. Due to its rarity, it’s important to understand the disease and your treatment options.
What is anal cancer?
Anal cancer occurs in the anus; it occurs when abnormal cells form a mass (tumor) in the tissue cells within the anus. The anus is located at the end of the large intestine, below the rectum, and is about 1-2 inches long. Two specialized muscles, called sphincters, help open and close the anal opening to control the elimination of waste from the body.
Anal cancer is different from colon or rectal cancer. Anal cancer has different symptoms, risk factors, possible preventive measures and treatment approaches than colon cancer.
What causes anal cancer?
We don’t know the exact cause of anal cancer. However, 90% of those diagnosed with anal cancer have a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. However, just because you may have an HPV infection doesn’t mean you’ll develop anal cancer.
Anal cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow and replicate in the anal cavity, forming a mass called a tumor. Healthy anal tissue cells grow and replicate at a normal rate using instructions they receive from DNA. In those with cancer, the instructions become abnormal, leading to the production of cancerous cells.
Current research suggests that certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing anal cancer. Risk factors are anything that makes it more likely you’ll develop a condition. There are some factors that you can influence and some you can’t. One of the biggest risk factors is an HPV diagnosis, but there are others as well.
Symptoms of anal cancer
Symptoms of anal cancer may not appear until the disease has progressed. Certain growths in and around the anal area, such as polyps, skin tags or warts, may turn into cancer over time. If you have any of the symptoms below, or any unusual growths, ask your doctor about tests to detect anal cancer.
The following symptoms may indicate the presence of anal cancer:
- Bleeding from the anus or rectum
- Pain or pressure in the area around the anus
- Itching or discharge from the anus
- A lump near the anus
- A change in bowel habits
The presence of symptoms does not necessarily mean you have anal cancer. But if you have symptoms, you should tell your doctor, especially if symptoms have continued for longer than a few weeks.
Types of anal cancer
Like most other cancers, there are different subtypes of anal cancer.
Types of anal cancer include:
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Transitional cloacogenic carcinoma
- Adenocarcinoma
- Melanoma
- Basaloid carcinoma
- Lymphoma
The primary form of anal cancer in the United States is squamous cell carcinoma, which is caused primarily by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. About 90% of anal cancers occur in patients with anal HPV infection. HPV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and is the most common STI. There are many types of HPV, but HPV-16 is the one most likely to cause anal cancer. The HPV vaccine can help reduce the rate of infection and decrease the likelihood of HPV-associated cancers. This is a key distinction in the differences between colon and rectal cancer.
Why choose the OSUCCC – James for anal cancer treatment?
Home to Ohio’s only anal cancer screening clinic
The OSUCCC – James offers screening and diagnostic care for those who may be at risk for developing anal cancer. This is the only clinic of its kind in the state. Our experts provide compassionate, equitable care in a nonjudgmental setting.
Offering the latest in anal cancer treatments
Our team of multidisciplinary care experts, from colorectal surgeons to radiation oncologists, are specially trained to provide the latest anal cancer treatment approaches. We offer some of the newest technologies in our surgical treatment offerings, as well as clinical trials for those who are candidates for them. We are a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center and conduct phase I and phase II clinical trials.
All-in-one destination for comprehensive care
From diagnostic and screening services to treatment options, no matter where you are, you can get all your cancer care at the OSUCCC – James. All services are offered in one convenient location and can be scheduled so you aren’t making multiple trips for care.
If you have received an anal cancer diagnosis, or if you want a second opinion or just want to speak to an anal cancer specialist, we are here to help you. Call 800-293-5066 or 614-293-5066 to make an appointment.
Related Resources
Anal Cancer Prevention and Risk Factors
Anal Cancer Screening and Diagnosis
Anal Cancer Symptoms
Gastrointestinal Cancer Clinical Research
Colorectal Cancer Rates on the Rise Among Younger Patients