What is anal cancer?

The symptoms of anal cancer include bleeding from the anus, itching or discharge from the anus, a lump near the anus, and redness, swelling, or pain in the area of the anus.

Treatment for anal cancer is based on the stage of the cancer and other things, such as your overall health. Treatment often includes radiation therapy and chemotherapy. When these treatments are given together, this is called chemoradiation. In some cases, surgery is needed. Sometimes a clinical trial may be a good choice.

To diagnose anal cancer, a doctor will examine the anus and rectum. A digital rectal exam is often done. If anal cancer is suspected, the doctor will do a biopsy.

To see if the cancer has spread, the doctor may do tests, such as a:

• CT scan.
• Chest X-ray.
• MRI.
• PET scan.
• Transrectal ultrasound.

Taking medicines as prescribed and getting enough sleep may help you feel better. If it's hard to eat, talk to your doctor or a dietitian. Try to get some physical activity each day. Consider joining a support group or talking to a counselor.

Some problems can lead to anal cancer, such as HPV infection and anal warts. Other things that can increase the risk for anal cancer include having many sex partners, receiving anal intercourse, being infected with HIV, and smoking cigarettes.

Anal cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the anus, which is the opening at the end of the rectum. Anal cancer is not common and is often curable. But like other cancers, it can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body.