Anal Cancer Symptoms

Anal cancer is a kind of malignant tumor which usually occurs inside anus. Causes of anal cancer are still not defined, but some studies showed that some factors may be associated with anal cancer, which include: Human papillomavirus (HPV), sexual activity, smoking, HIV infection, anal benign disease and others.

Experts from Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou pointed out that although anal cancer is a kind of less common disease but people should still pay attention to it. We should know and understand anal cancer so as to detect it early.

Types of Anal Cancer

In accordance with the difference of onset parts of anal cancer, it can be classified into the following types: cancer in situ, squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, basal cell cancer and malignant melanoma, lymphoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).

Cancer in situ: some anal superficial cells look very abnormal, like cancer cells;

Squamous cell carcinoma: tumor from squamous cells in the anal margin and most of the anal canal.

Adenocarcinoma: it originates from the gland that release anal secretions and is below anal mucous membrane or from the apocrine gland as well (a perianal skin gland that secrets sweat).

Basal cell cancer: it occurs around the perianal skin or other skin parts that are regularly exposed to the sun, such as face and hands, but it is rare to occur in the anus.

Malignant melanoma: it refers to the tumor developed by the anus skin cells that contain melanin, and there are only about 1-2% of anal cancers are melanomas.

Symptoms of Anal Cancer

There is symptom like anorectal bleeding;

The anal area would feel uncomfortable and abnormal itchy.

There will be small lumps around anal margin, and they grow slowly.

There are changes in bowel habits, and the shape of the stool becomes thinner.

Lymph glands around the anus or groin become swollen.

There is a slight pain around anus, and the pain gets worse when the tumor invades into the anal canal or sphincter.

Experts from Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou remind you that if you have the following symptoms, please go to regular hospital for examination and treatment.