What Are the Symptoms of Anal Cancer?
Part of raising awareness for individual cancer types is increasing awareness of the specific symptoms associated with a given tumor type. For those asking what are the symptoms of anal cancer, we want to make the answer readily available.
What you need to know about anal cancer
Source: medicalnewstoday.com
Anal cancer is rare, but the number of new cases is rising.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), there are likely to be about 8,300 new cases in 2019. Of these, 5,530 will affect females, and 2,770 will affect males. The ACS expect around 1,280 people to die from anal cancer, including 760 females and 520 males.
Various factors may increase the risk of anal cancer, but infection with two types of human papillomavirus (HPV) appears to underlie 91% of cases.
Anal cancer is rare before 35 years of age. The average age of diagnosis is when a person is in their early 60s. Around 1 in 500 people will develop anal cancer at some time.
At first, anal cancer may resemble hemorrhoids. Anyone who notices changes in the anal area should see a doctor. Often, they do not have cancer. If they do, an early diagnosis is more likely to lead to a positive outcome.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of anal cancer include:
- bleeding from the rectum
- itching around the rectum
- pain or a feeling of fullness around the anus
- lumps that may resemble hemorrhoids
- changes in bowel movements
- narrow stools
- a discharge from the anus
- swollen lymph nodes in the groin or anal area
Some of these symptoms can also be the result of hemorrhoids, anal warts, or anal tearing. However, a person should see a doctor if these changes occur, to rule out cancer.
Causes
Anal cancer develops when cells grow uncontrollably and form a tumor. Two types of cancer can form in the anus, depending on where the cancer starts.
Squamous cell cancer: The anal canal connects the rectum to the outside of the body. Squamous cells line the canal. These flat cells look like fish scales under the microscope. Most anal cancers are squamous cell carcinomas because they develop from squamous cells.
Adenocarcinoma: The point where the anal canal meets the rectum is called the transitional zone. It has squamous cells and glandular cells. Glandular cells produce mucus, which helps the stool pass through the anus smoothly. Adenocarcinoma can also develop from the glandular cells in the anus. Around 3–9% of anal cancers are of this type.
Risk factors
The risk factors for anal cancer include:
HPV: There is growing evidence that some types of HPV increase the risk of various cancers. Researchers have linked the presence of HPV16 to various cancers, including cervical cancer and some head and neck cancers.
Other cancers: People who have had another HPV-linked cancer seem to have a higher risk of anal cancer. For females, these include vaginal or cervical cancer, or a history of precancerous cells in the cervix. Males who have had penile cancer have a higher risk, also.
HIV: People with HIV have a higher risk of developing anal cancer than people without the virus.
Reduced immunity: People with a suppressed immune system have a higher risk. The immune system can be weaker in people with AIDS and those who take medications following a transplant.
Sexual activity: Having multiple sex partners can increase the risk, as this increases the chance of exposure to HPV.
Sex: Anal cancer is more common in females than in males. However, among African Americans, it is more common among males up to the age of 60 years, after which it is more likely to affect females.
Age: As people get older, their chances of developing anal cancer increase.
Smoking: Smokers have a significantly higher risk of several cancers, including anal cancer. Quitting may lower the risk.
If you or a loved one have experienced any of the symptoms listed above, the best thing you can do is consult your healthcare professional as soon as possible.
If you have been recently diagnosed with anal cancer, our cancer resource library can offer you information, hope, and actionable steps you can take.