Anal Cancer

Anal cancer is cancer of the anal canal and/or the skin around the opening (anal margin). 

The anal canal is the last few centimetres of the bowel.

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What are the symptoms of anal cancer?

Symptoms that can occur with anal cancer include blood or mucus in the stools (or on the toilet paper), a change in bowel habit, anal or rectal discomfort or itch, a lump in the anus, or difficulty with control of bowel movements. 

Sometimes anal cancer does not produce any symptoms.  A positive stool test (such as the National Bowel Cancer Screening test) or anaemia (low red blood cell count) should be looked into, as they are sometimes associated with anal cancer.

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How is anal cancer diagnosed?

If you have symptoms or other findings that may be associated with anal cancer, further medical attention should be sought.  Your doctor will ask about your medical history, family history and perform a physical examination.  They may also perform some blood tests.

If anal cancer is suspected, review by a specialist colorectal surgeon is recommended.  A colonoscopy and/or biopsy (tissue sample) is the best test to diagnose anal cancer. 

Learn about Colonoscopy
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What is the stage of a cancer?

The stage of any cancer means the extent of spread of the cancer.  For anal cancer, it relates to how deeply it grows into the anal canal (or anal margin) and/or if it has spread outside of the anal canal.

If you are diagnosed with anal cancer, additional tests may be recommended to determine its stage.  These may include blood tests and scans.

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How is anal cancer treated?

If you have been diagnosed with anal cancer, treatment options depend on a variety of factors.  These include the type of anal cancer, its stage, your background health and your personal wishes.  Anal cancer treatment is often undertaken with a team of medical professionals. 

It is recommended that anal cancer be treated by specialists who regularly manage this. 

Treatment options include radiation therapy, systemic therapy (such as chemotherapy), surgery or a combination of these.  Your treatment will be personalized to your circumstances. 

Dr Zhu has extensive experience in the treatment of anal cancer.  Dr Zhu has advanced training in surgery for anal cancer and can advise if this is appropriate for you.

A diagnosis of anal cancer can be stressful.  Dr Zhu is part of the multi-disciplinary cancer treatment team at South East Sydney Local Health District.  Dr Zhu can guide you through your treatment journey with care and compassion.