Information about anal Cancer

Author : Bhadresh Bundela

Anal cancer

The anus is the canal that connects the lower part of the large intestine (the rectum) to the outside of the body. Anal cancer is fairly rare. Different cancers can develop in different parts of the anus, part of which is inside the body and part of which is outside. Sometimes abnormal changes of the anus are harmless in their early stages but may later develop into cancer. Some anal warts, for example, contain precancerous areas and can develop into cancer. The main type of anal cancer is squamous cell carcinoma of the anus.

Incidence of anal cancer

Photograph of cancer of the anal margin
Anal cancer is rare tumour and only 300 new cases arise each year in the UK. It is therefore a less serious health problem than colorectal cancer.
Causes of anal cancer
The disease is more common in homosexuals and there is an association with human papilloma virus infection as well HIV, although a causative link has not firmly been established.

Screening for anal cancer

There is no routine screening programme for this disease which is rare.
All solid lumps developing in this region should be regarded with suspicion, although the majority of lesions will be either haemorrhoidal in origin or painful fissures - neither of which should have a solid lump component.
Symptoms of anal cancer
Anal cancer usually presents with anal discomfort and there is a lesion either visible on the margin of the anus (i.e. visible to the outside world) or palpable on digital examination.

Diagnosis of anal cancer

Biopsy gives the diagnosis. The majority of cancers are squamous cancers, as expected as the lining of the anus is squamous epithelium. Staging follows and a pelvic scan, as well as abdominal scanning and chest x-ray. Viral studies and other blood tests are routinely assessed.