Anal Cancer Summary The anus is where stool leaves your body when you go to the bathroom. It is made up of your outer layers of skin and the end of your large intestine. Anal cancer is a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the anus. Anal cancer is rare. It is more common in smokers and people over 50. You are also at higher risk if you have HPV, have anal sex, or have many sexual partners. Symptoms include bleeding, pain, or lumps in the anal area. Anal itching and discharge can also be signs of anal cancer. Doctors use tests that examine the anus to diagnose anal cancer. They include a physical exam, endoscopy, ultrasound, and biopsy. Treatments include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. NIH: National Cancer Institute National Cancer Institute Array After chemotherapy – discharge Anal cancer Anoscopy Pelvic (between the hips) radiation – discharge What to Know about External Beam Radiation Therapy National Cancer Institute Find an Expert American Cancer Society American Cancer Society Find a Cancer Doctor American Society of Clinical Oncology National Cancer Institute National Cancer Institute National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Organizations That Offer Support Services National Cancer Institute Start Here Anal Cancer American Society of Clinical Oncology Anal Cancer Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research General Information about Anal Cancer National Cancer Institute What Is Anal Cancer? American Cancer Society Prevention and Risk Factors Anal Cancer American Cancer Society Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) American Society of Clinical Oncology What Are the Risk Factors for Anal Cancer? American Cancer Society Living With Anal Cancer: What Happens After Treatment? American Cancer Society Related Issues Anal Warts American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Do We Know What Causes Anal Cancer? American Cancer Society Diagnosis and Tests Can Anal Cancer Be Found Early? American Cancer Society How Is Anal Cancer Diagnosed? American Cancer Society Stages of Anal Cancer National Cancer Institute Statistics and Research Cancer of the Anus National Cancer Institute Electrocautery Superior to Topical Treatments for Precancerous Anal Lesions National Cancer Institute What’s New in Anal Cancer Research and Treatment? American Cancer Society Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Anus Neoplasms National Institutes of Health Reference Desk Dictionary of Cancer Terms National Cancer Institute Encyclopedia Pelvic CT scan Journal Articles Anal Cancer Treatments and Therapies Treatment Option Overview (Anal Cancer) National Cancer Institute Treatment Options by Stage (Anal Cancer) National Cancer Institute Patient Handouts Understanding Chemotherapy National Cancer Institute
