Anal Cancer

Fortunately, anal cancer is a relatively rare disease, making up only 1% to 2% of all digestive system cancers. No one knows exactly what causes this form of cancer, but it is known that smokers, those with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) and those with a history of anal fistulas are more likely to be diagnosed with it.

The symptoms of anal cancer are common to other diseases as well and may include pain, bleeding and itching, changes in your bowel habits, straining during a bowel movement, changes in the diameter of your stool, discharge and swollen lymph nodes in the groin or anal area.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, you will want to see your doctor to rule out anal cancer. If it is cancer, it’s important to detect it in its earliest stages, which gives doctors at Celebration Colorectal the best chance of treating it successfully.

To diagnose the problem, your doctor will usually perform a digital rectal examination. Other options include performing an anoscopy, a proctoscopy or a transrectal ultrasound. If a suspicious growth is present, a biopsy will be taken to confirm that it is cancerous.

To learn more about anal cancer surgery options, please make an appointment today.