Anal cancer is cancer of the anus.  This is a rare form of cancer that affects the end of the large intestine. It can occur in the anal canal or just below the anal verge or anal margin. 
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The Anus is the lower portion of the large intestine. The anal canal is a short tube at the end of your rectum through which stool leaves your body. There are two forms of anal cancer. These cancers can be treated separately or a whole depending on the spread of cancer cells. 

Types of cancer 

  • Anal Canal Cancer, which occurs above the anal verge

  • Anal Margin Cancer, which occurs below the anal verge 

Anal cancer symptoms 

Some of the signs and symptoms:

  • Itching in or around the anus

  • A growth or mass in the anal canal

  • Bleeding from the anus or rectum

  • Loss of bowel control

  • Pain in the area of the anus 

    Anal cancer causes 

Anal cancer develops when normal, healthy cells into abnormal cells. These abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and do not die like normal healthy cells. This constant growth gives rises to a mass formation or a tumor. It also spreads and infects other healthy cells. 

Who’s at risk? 

Anal Cancer affects both men and women. The following factors place certain individuals at higher risk than others: 

  1. Age: Most cases of anal cancer occur in individuals above the age of 50.

  2. Sexual History: Individuals with multiple sex partners are at greater risk of getting anal cancer.

  3. Anal sex: Individuals who engage in anal sex are at greater risk of getting anal cancer.

  4. Smoking: Smoking can also increase your risk of anal cancer.

  5. Human papillomavirus (HPV): HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause genital warts. It also increases your risk of cancer - anal cancer and cervical cancer.

  6. Drugs: Drugs can increase your risk of anal cancer.

  7. Suppressed immune system: Individuals who take immunosuppressive drugs are at greater risk of getting anal cancer. This includes individuals who have to take immunosuppressant due to organ transplants or HIV.

Once the cancer is discovered, depending on the stage, the doctor will offer you a choice of treatment options – surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. He may also recommend a combination of treatment options to best eradicate the tumor.