Health's Book

Definition

Anal cancer is an uncommon cancer occurring in the tissues that make up the opening through which stool passes out of the body.

Symptoms

The previously-held belief that anal cancer is caused by the chronic irritation associated with cracks (fissures), hemorrhoids, and abnormal passageways (fistulae), is falling out of favor. It is now believed that most cases of anal cancer are caused by human papilloma virus (HPV), a sexually-transmitted virus that can cause genital warts. Cancer is caused when the normal mechanisms that control cell growth become disturbed, causing the cells to grow continually without stopping. This may be the result of damage to the DNA in the cell or viral infection.

Symptoms of anal cancer may include:

• bleeding from the anus
• pain around the anus
• the sensation of anal pressure or a mass
• anal itching
• anal discharge
• straining to pass stool (rectal tenesmus)