5 Things You Need to Know About Anal Cancer

1. More Common Than You Think

Contracting anal cancer is rare, but increasing. Anal cancer forms in or on the tissue of the anus, located at the end of the rectum. The combination of cells that comprise the anus result in several forms of cancer, the most common, squamous cell carcinoma, starts in the outer lining of the anal canal. A related cancer, cloacogenic carcinoma, forms between the rectum and the anus. Skin cancer, both basal cell carcinoma and melanoma, can occur in the anal area. Polyps or warts occur in this area and while they are normally not cancerous, they can develop into a cancerous condition. Contact a doctor if you detect any anal abnormalities.

2. Keep an Eye Out for Symptoms

Symptoms include rectal bleeding, itching, anal pain and abnormal anal discharge. A change in your stool or swollen lymph nodes in the groin or anal region often indicate a problem. Anal cancer is sometimes asymptomatic. Bleeding occurs in more than half of those with anal cancer but it is often attributed to hemorrhoids, fissures or anal warts. Contact your doctor if you experience any symptoms of anal cancer. Early diagnosis affects anal cancer's treatment options.

3. Get Diagnosed

A digital rectal exam is the first step in an anal cancer diagnosis. A doctor inserts a gloved finger into the anus to feel for anything unusual. The American Cancer Society recommends a yearly digital rectal exam for men over 50 years old as part of a prostate cancer screening. It is also important to include a digital rectal exam during a woman's annual gynecological exam. Experts recommend an annual anal pap smear or anal cytology testing for high risk individuals. Doctors swab the anal lining and examine the swab for abnormal cells. A positive test indicates a need for a biopsy.

4. Some Risky Business

You increase your risk of developing anal cancer if you receive anal sex. If you are at high risk for anal intraepithelial neoplasia, pre-cancerous changes in the anal mucosa, you are at a higher risk for anal cancer. Homosexual men, women with a history of cervical or vulvar cancer, transplant recipients and HIV positive individuals are at high risk for AIN and anal cancer. HPV exposure also increases anal cancer risks. Inform your doctor if you have any of the risk factors for anal cancer and discuss the need for testing.

5. Put an End to Anal Cancer

Practice safe sex to prevent exposure to HIV and HPV. Stop smoking, it increases your risk of all cancers. Visit your doctor for any anal irregularity including suspected AIN, warts and hemorrhoids. Early detection may reduce the need for surgery which traditionally was the treatment for anal cancer. Today anal cancer is treated with radiation, chemotherapy or a mixture of the two known as chemoradiotherapy. Surgery or a combination of surgery with radiation or chemotherapy is the treatment choice for some anal cancers, especially advanced cases.