What is an anal carcinoma?

Anal carcinoma is a form of cancer that develops in the anal canal. Anal carcinoma affects just over 9,000 adults per year in the U.S., but the number of new cases has been increasing in recent years. About 90% of cases of anal cancer will be squamous cell carcinomas.

When these cancers are only on the surface cells of the anal canal, they may be referred to as early cancer, precancer, or Bowen’s disease. Anal carcinomas rarely spread to other parts of the body. When they do, they may spread to the liver or the lungs.

Who gets anal cancer?

There are several risk factors for developing anal cancer:

Age. Most people with squamous cell carcinoma of the anus are over the age of 50.

HPV infection. Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with anal cancer as well as other cancers.

HIV status. People with HIV or AIDS are more at risk for anal cancer.

Number of sexual partners. If you have had more than 10 sexual partners, your risk for anal cancer goes up.

History of other cancers. If you have a history of cervical, vulvar, or vaginal cancer, your risk of anal cancer is increased.

Anal intercourse. Being a recipient of anal intercourse increases your risk.

Smoking. Smokers are more likely than non-smokers to get anal cancer.

Immunosuppression. Medications that stop your immune system from functioning normally may also increase your chances of developing anal cancer.

Symptoms of anal cancer

Some common signs of an anal carcinoma include:

• Bleeding from the rectum or anus
• Pain in the area of the anus
• A mass or growth on the anus or in the anal canal
• Anal itching

Surgical treatment of anal cancer

Depending on the size and stage of the cancer, your surgeon may perform one of two procedures to remove the tumor.

• Local resection. For small, early-stage cancers, your surgeon will remove the tumor and a small amount of the surrounding tissue in a procedure called a local resection. The goal is to remove all of the cancer and a margin of healthy tissue without interfering with the anal sphincter muscles that control bowel movements.
• Abdominoperineal resection (APR). If a more extensive surgery is required, your doctor will perform an APR. An incision is made in your abdomen, and the anus, rectum, and part of the colon are removed through the incision. You will have a colostomy after APR surgery. This is a procedure where the surgeon creates a hole in your abdominal wall and attaches the end of your intestine to it. Solid waste is collected in a bag attached to the stoma on the outside of your body.

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