What is anal cancer?
Anal cancer forms in the anus, the opening at the lower end of the intestines. This is where the end of the intestines connect to the outside of the body. As you digest food, it passes through your stomach, colon, small and large intestines, and rectum. You then pass the waste matter out of your body through the anus.
The two main groups of anal cancers include:
- Cancers of the anal canal:
Starts from cells in the mucosa, the lining of the canal that connects the rectum to the anus. - Cancers of the anal margin:
Forms where the anal canal merges with the outside skin.
More information about anal cancers (American Cancer Society)
Common types of anal cancer
- Carcinoma in situ:
Abnormal cells on the inner surface layer of the anus that have not spread to deeper layers - Squamous cell carcinomas:
The most common type of anal cancer, which begins in the squamous cells lining of the anal canal and margin and has spread to deeper layers - Adenocarcinomas:
Less common, these cancers usually start in cells that line the upper part of the anus near the rectum
Anal cancer tests and treatments
Depending on your specific condition, you may receive one or more of the following anal cancer tests and treatments:
Anal cancer tests
- Imaging (CT or PET scan)
- Lower endoscopy or colonoscopy
- Biopsy
- Meeting with your surgeon, medical oncologist and radiation oncologist
Anal cancer treatments
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Surgery
Dartmouth Cancer Center multidisciplinary team approach to treating anal cancer
Our full multidisciplinary team of care providers works with you to:
- Review your anal cancer diagnostic tests
- Identify the best anal cancer treatment, particular to you
- Help you understand your anal cancer diagnosis and what to expect with any treatment