Anal Cancer

What is anal cancer?

The anus is located at the end of the rectum, and its main function is to help solid waste pass from the body. Cancer of the anus is a rare disease. It occurs more commonly in women than in men. It is estimated that more than 90 percent of anal cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, a common sexually transmitted virus. Learn more about the causes of anal cancer.

Signs of anal cancer may include itching, bleeding, pain when you go to the bathroom, or feeling like you have a lump inside your anus. It’s important to go to your doctor as soon as you notice something is wrong.

What are the types of anal cancer?

 The different types of anal cancer include

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anus
• Adenocarcinoma of the Anus
• Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Anus
• Melanoma of the Anus

How is anal cancer treated?
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy is the most common anal cancer treatment. Your doctor may also discuss proton therapy with you. It is another very precise form of radiation treatment. Radiation therapy is often combined with doses of chemotherapy to help weaken the cancer. This is called chemoradiation.

Most people with anal cancer do not need surgery, which means they can maintain important bodily functions. Your doctors may discuss surgery with you depending on the size, location, and stage of the tumor. If a procedure is necessary, we can use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible. These methods remove the disease with fewer side effects of treatment.