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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
Patient Handouts
- After chemotherapy – discharge Medical Encyclopedia
- Anal cancer Medical Encyclopedia
- Anoscopy Medical Encyclopedia
- Pelvic radiation – discharge Medical Encyclopedia
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 Cancer Support Services National Cancer Institute
Start Here
- Anal Cancer American Society of Clinical Oncology
- Anal Cancer American Cancer Society
- Anal Cancer Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Anal Cancer Treatment National Cancer Institute
Related Issues
- Anal Warts American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
- What Causes Anal Cancer? American Cancer Society
Diagnosis and Tests
- Anoscopy National Library of Medicine
- Stages of Anal Cancer National Cancer Institute
- Tests for Anal Cancer American Cancer Society
Statistics and Research
- Cancer of the Anus National Cancer Institute
- Electrocautery Superior to Topical Treatments for Precancerous Anal Lesions National Cancer Institute
Clinical Trials
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Anus Neoplasms National Institutes of Health
Reference Desk
- Dictionary of Cancer Terms National Cancer Institute
Prevention and Risk Factors
- Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) American Society of Clinical Oncology
- Risk Factors for Anal Cancer American Cancer Society
Treatments and Therapies
- Drugs Approved for Anal Cancer National Cancer Institute
- External Beam Radiation Therapy for Cancer National Cancer Institute
- Treatment Option Overview (Anal Cancer) National Cancer Institute
Living With
- Living as an Anal Cancer Survivor American Cancer Society
Encyclopedia
- Pelvic CT scan Medical Encyclopedia