Anorectal Cancer

Causes of anorectal cancer

Cancer starts when cells in the anus or rectum grow the wrong way. Sometimes it begins with small changes that turn into cancer over time.

• Damaged cells in the lining of the rectum or anus
• Long-term infections like HPV
• Conditions that cause swelling or irritation in the rectum

Risk factors for anorectal cancer

Certain things can raise your risk of getting this type of cancer.

• Infection with HPV
• Having anal warts or long-term inflammation
• Being over age 50
• A weakened immune system
• Smoking

Symptoms of anorectal cancer

Early on, there may be no symptoms. As the cancer grows, you might notice:

• Bleeding from the anus
• Pain during bowel movements
• A lump near the anus
• Itching or leaking from the anus
• Changes in bowel habits
  
  

Diagnosing anorectal cancer

Doctors use tests to find the cancer and learn more about it.

• Physical exam and looking at the anus and rectum
• Colonoscopy to look inside the rectum
• Biopsy to test a sample of tissue
• CT or MRI scans to see if the cancer has spread

Treatment of anorectal cancer

The type of treatment depends on the size and stage of the cancer.

• Surgery to take out the tumor
• Radiation therapy to shrink the cancer
• Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells
• A mix of treatments if the cancer is more advanced

When to seek care

Talk to a doctor if you notice:

• Bleeding when you go to the bathroom
• Pain or lumps near the anus
• Changes in bowel habits that don’t go away