Learn About Anal Cancer

What is the definition of Anal Cancer?

Anal cancer is cancer that starts in the anus. The anus is the opening at the end of your rectum. The rectum is the last part of your large intestine where solid waste from food (stool) is stored. Stool leaves your body through the anus when you have a bowel movement.

Anal cancer is fairly rare. It spreads slowly and is easy to treat before it spreads.

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What are the alternative names for Anal Cancer?

Cancer - anus; Squamous cell carcinoma - anal; HPV - anal cancer

What are the causes of Anal Cancer?

Anal cancer can start anywhere in the anus. Where it starts determines the kind of cancer it is.

  • Squamous cell carcinoma. This is the most common type of anal cancer. It starts in cells that line the anal canal and grows into the deeper tissue.
  • Cloacogenic carcinoma. Almost all the rest of anal cancers are tumors that start in cells lining the area between the anus and rectum. Cloacogenic carcinoma looks different than squamous cell cancers, but behaves similarly and is treated the same.
  • Adenocarcinoma. This type of anal cancer is rare in the United States. It starts in the anal glands below the anal surface and is often more advanced when it is found.
  • Skin cancer. Some cancers form outside the anus in the perianal area. This area is mainly skin. The tumors here are skin cancers and are treated as skin cancer.

The cause of anal cancer is unclear. However, there is a link between anal cancer and the human papillomavirus or HPV infection. HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that has been linked to other cancers as well.

Other major risk factors include:

  • HIV/AIDS infection. Anal cancer is more common among HIV/AIDS positive men who have sex with other men.
  • Sexual activity. Having many sexual partners and having anal sex are both major risks. This may be due to the increased risk for HPV and HIV/AIDS infection.
  • Smoking. Quitting will reduce your risk for anal cancer.
  • Weak immune system. HIV/AIDS, organ transplants, certain medicines, and other conditions that weaken the immune system increase your risk.
  • Age. Most people who have anal cancer are age 50 or older. In rare cases, it is seen in people younger than age 35.
  • Sex and race. Anal cancer is more common among women than men in most groups. More African American males get anal cancer than females.
What are the symptoms of Anal Cancer?

Rectal bleeding, often minor, is one of the first signs of anal cancer. Often, a person mistakenly thinks the bleeding is caused by hemorrhoids.

Other early signs and symptoms include:

  • A lump in or near the anus
  • Anal pain
  • Itching
  • Discharge from the anus
  • Change in bowel habits
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the groin or anal region
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What are the current treatments for Anal Cancer?

Treatment for anal cancer is based on:

  • The stage of the cancer
  • Where the tumor is located
  • Whether the cancer has resisted initial treatment or has come back after initial treatment

In most cases, anal cancer that hasn't spread can be treated with radiation therapy and chemotherapy together. The combination of radiation and chemotherapy achieves better tumor control than the use of radiation alone.

For very small tumors, surgery alone is typically used, instead of radiation and chemotherapy.

If cancer remains after the radiation and chemotherapy, surgery is often required. This may involve removing the anus, the rectum, and part of the colon. The new end of the large intestine will then be attached to an opening (stoma) in the abdomen. This procedure is called a colostomy. Stools moving through the intestine drain through the stoma into a bag attached to the abdomen.

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What are the support groups for Anal Cancer?

Cancer affects how you feel about yourself and your life. You can ease the stress of illness by joining a cancer support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you feel less alone.

You can ask your provider or the staff at the cancer treatment center to refer you to a cancer support group.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Anal Cancer?

Anal cancer spreads slowly. With early treatment, most people with anal cancer are cancer-free after 5 years.

What are the possible complications of Anal Cancer?

You may have side effects from surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

When should I contact a medical professional for Anal Cancer?

See your provider if you notice any of the possible symptoms of anal cancer, especially if you have any of the risk factors for it.

How do I prevent Anal Cancer?

Since the cause of anal cancer is unknown, it's not possible to completely prevent it. But you can take steps to lower your risk.

  • Practice safer sex to help prevent HPV and HIV/AIDS infections. People who have sex with many partners or have unprotected anal sex are at high risk of developing these infections. Using condoms can offer some protection, but not total protection. Talk with your provider about your options.
  • Ask your provider about the HPV vaccine and if you should get it.
  • Do not smoke. If you do smoke, quitting can lower your risk for anal cancer as well as other diseases.
What are the latest Anal Cancer Clinical Trials?
A Randomized Phase III Study of Immune Checkpoint Inhibition With Chemotherapy in Treatment-Na�ve Metastatic Anal Cancer Patients

Summary: This phase 3 trial compares the addition of nivolumab to chemotherapy (carboplatin and paclitaxel) versus usual treatment (chemotherapy alone) for the treatment of anal cancer that has spread to other places in the body (metastatic). Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as nivolumab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to...

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A Feasibility Study of E7 TCR-T Cell Induction Therapy for Locoregionally Advanced HPV-Associated Cancers

Summary: The goal of this study is to determine the feasibility of administration of a single dose of E7 TCR-T cells as induction therapy prior to definitive treatment (chemoradiation or surgery) of locoregionally advanced HPV-associated cancers. The intent of E7 TCR-T cell treatment is to shrink or eliminate tumors and thereby facilitate definitive therapy and increase overall survival. This study seeks t...

What are the Latest Advances for Anal Cancer?
Influence of radiation treatment technique (IMRT vs. 3D-RT) on acute toxicity and prognostic factors for survival for anal cancer.
The effect of recombinant human epidermal growth factor on radiation dermatitis in rectal and anal cancer patients: a self-controlled study.
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Successful Management of Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma With Liver and Ovary Metastases: A Case Report.
Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: August 15, 2022
Published By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Editorial update 02/14/2023.

What are the references for this article ?

Hallemeier CL, Haddock MG. Anal carcinoma. In: Tepper JE, Foote RL, Michalski JM, eds. Gunderson & Tepper's Clinical Radiation Oncology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 59.

National Cancer Institute website. Anal cancer treatment - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/anal/hp/anal-treatment-pdq. Updated January 13, 2023. Accessed February 14, 2023.

Madoff RD, Melton-Meaux GB. Diseases of the rectum and anus. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 136.