Question

What is anal cancer?

Answer 1

Anal cancer happens when abnormal cells grow and multiply in your anal area or anal canal. The anal canal connects your anus (the opening) to your rectum (the lower portion of your gastrointestinal tract). This passage is about 1 to 2 inches long. It’s the part of the body that excretes solid waste (poop). Anal cancer is also called carcinoma of the anal canal.

Comments

Anal cancer happens when abnormal cells grow and multiply in your anal canal. Anal dysplasia — a condition characterized by irregular changes in your cells — is a precursor of (comes before) anal cancer. Anal cancer treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

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An anal cancer diagnosis can be frightening. It’s important to learn everything you can about your condition so you can make informed decisions about your long-term health. Talk to your healthcare provider about the many resources available. You can find information from organizations like the Anal Cancer Foundation, Cancer Hope Network and CANCERcare. Additionally, you may want to join a support group, so you can talk with others who are going through the same thing.