Cancer describes a set of diseases in which normal cells in the body, through a series of genetic changes, lose the ability to control their growth and to respect their neighbors. As cancers grow, they invade the tissues around them (local invasion). They may also spread to other locations in the body via the blood vessels or lymphatic channels where they may implant and grow (metastases). Tumors, or growths in the body, may be benign or malignant (cancerous). When they are benign they may grow but they do not spread to other locations. Malignant tumors have the ability to invade deeply and to spread (metastasize).
Anal cancer arises from the cells around the anal opening (verge) or within the anal canal (1-2 inches long) up to its junction with the rectum. Most anal cancers arise from skin cells and are called squamous cell carcinomas. Some arise from the special mucosal cells lining the upper anal canal and are called cloacogenic carcinomas. Although several other types of cancer may occur in this area, these two are the most common. They behave similarly and are treated in the same fashion. Cells that are becoming malignant but have not invaded below the surface are “pre-cancerous” (carcinoma-in-situ). This condition is called Bowen’s disease.
Anal cancer is fairly uncommon. It accounts for about 1-2% of gastrointestinal cancers. About 3,400 new cases of anal cancer are diagnosed each year in the U.S.A., and about 500 people will die of the disease each year. This may be compared to 140,000 new cases of colorectal cancer with 50,000 deaths per year.
We do not know the exact cause of most anal cancers. But we do know that certain risk factors are linked to anal cancer. A risk factor is something that increases a person’s chance of getting a disease.
Few cancers can be totally prevented but your risk may be decreased significantly by reducing your risk factors and by getting regular checkups. Avoid anal sex and infection with HPV and HIV. Use condoms whenever having any kind of intercourse. Although condoms do not eliminate the risk of infection, they do reduce it. Stopping smoking lowers the risk of many types of cancer, including anal cancer.
Many cases of anal cancer can be found early. Anal cancers form in a part of the digestive tract that the doctor can see and reach easily. Anal cancers often cause symptoms such as:
These symptoms can also be caused by less serious conditions such as hemorrhoids but you should never assume this. If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor.
Finding cancers early is the key to cure. Regular checkups with a digital (finger) exam of the rectum and anus will find many problems which are easy to treat when found early. Routine screening for colorectal and anal cancer in people without any symptoms includes a digital rectal exam and test for blood in the stool yearly and a flexible endoscopy exam (lighted probe) every 5-10 years starting at 50 years of age.
If anal cancer is suspected based on your doctor’s exam, a biopsy will be performed to confirm the diagnosis. If the diagnosis of cancer is confirmed, additional tests to determine the extent of the cancer may be recommended.
Treatment for most cases of anal cancer is very effective. There are 3 basic types of treatment used for anal cancer:
Combination therapy including radiation therapy and chemotherapy is now considered the standard treatment for most anal cancers. Occasionally a very small or early tumor may be removed surgically (local excision), with minimal damage to the anal sphincter muscles.
The majority of patients treated for anal cancer will not need a colostomy. If the tumor does not respond completely to combination therapy, if it recurs after treatment, or if it is an unusual type, an abdomino-perineal resection (APR) removal of the rectum and anus and creation of a colostomy may be necessary.
Follow-up care to assess the results of treatment and to check for recurrence is very important. Most anal carcinomas are effectively treated. In addition, many tumors that recur may be successfully treated if they are caught early. A careful examination by an experienced physician at regular intervals is the most important method of follow-up. Additional studies may be recommended. You should report any symptoms or problems to your doctor right away.
Anal cancers are unusual tumors arising from the skin or mucosa of the anal canal. As with most cancers, early detection is associated with excellent survival. Most tumors are well treated with combination chemotherapy and radiation. Recurrences may often be treated successfully. Follow the recommended screening examinations for anal and colorectal cancer and consult your doctor early when any anorectal symptoms occur.