Anal Cancer
Anal cancer starts in the anus. The anus is the opening at the lower end of the intestines and connects the outside of the body. Anal cancer starts when cells begin to grow out of control. Sometimes, treatment may be different, depending on where the cancer is located. But anal cancers can sometimes extend from one area of the anus into the other, so it’s hard to know exactly where they started.
Bardmoor Cancer Center will take careful steps stage and grade the tumor to assess the best way to create and manage your treatment plan. Our goal is to achieve the very best outcome while preserving your quality of life.
There are a few types of anal cancer tumors which include:
- Squamous cell carcinomas (most common)
- Adenocarcinomas
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Melanoma
- GI stromal tumors (GIST)
The level of invasiveness is determined by diagnostic testing and imaging.
What are the risk factors for Anal Cancer?
It may be possible to avoid some risk factors for anal cancer, but some are out of your control. The best plan is to catch it early. Lifestyle and hereditary factors include:
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Anal warts
- Having certain other cancers (vaginal, vulva)
- HIV infection
- Sexual activity
- Smoking
- Lowered immunity
- Family history of anal cancer
- Race/ethnicity/gender