Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCommon SymptomsProgressionSymptoms With HPVGI and Bowel ComorbiditiesSymptom ManagementAnal Cancer Treatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Common Symptoms
Progression
Symptoms With HPV
GI and Bowel Comorbidities
Symptom Management
Anal Cancer Treatment
Anal cancer can present with a variety of symptoms that can include itching, pain, or a feeling of fullness in or around the anus. Some people may also notice bleeding, unusual lumps, or a change in their bowel habits.
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It’s important not to dismiss or ignore these symptoms, especially if they persist or get worse over time. The earlier anal cancer can be caught, the better treatment outcomes can be. It’s important to contact a healthcare provider if experiencing any of these symptoms.
Symptom Onset
The first symptoms of anal cancer can be mild and develop slowly, which often leads people to believe they are due to a minor problem such as afissureor hemorrhoids. As anal cancer progresses, the symptoms progress as well, and become more severe and more difficult to ignore.
What Happens as Symptoms Progress
In the early stages, mild discomfort or occasional bleeding may be seen, but as the tumor grows larger, the bleeding can become heavier and more frequent and the pain more severe.
For example, the pain may initially only occur while having a bowel movement but can progress to the point where it is constant and interferes with activities such as sitting or moving around. Pain is typically due to the tumor putting pressure on surrounding nerves or tissues in the anal region.
Other symptoms often get worse as anal cancer spreads. Lumps in the anal area may grow in size. Some people may also lose control of their bowels or notice more discharge when not having a bowel movement.
One of the most common signs of HPV-positive anal cancer is bleeding, which may be noticeable after bowel movements or be present as blood on toilet paper after wiping. Other early symptoms include persistent itching, discomfort, or pain around the anus.
HPV-related anal cancer can also cause small lumps or growths that might be felt around the anal area, which could be mistaken for hemorrhoids.
Anal cancer can cause gastrointestinal (GI) and bowel-related comorbidities, especially as the cancer progresses and affects the structures of the digestive system.
One issue commonly seen is bowel dysfunction, which can appear as long-term constipation, diarrhea, or a change in stool consistency. These symptoms develop due to the tumor blocking the anus or rectum, making it difficult for stool to pass through normally.Rectal tenesmusmay be experienced as well. This is a frequent urge to have a bowel movement but not being able to pass much stool. This is often due to the pressure of the tumor.
As anal cancer grows and possibly spreads to other areas, further complications can occur. These can include:
Home Management for Symptoms
Managing anal cancer symptoms can be done to improve pain and discomfort. However, before attempting any management at home, it should be discussed with a healthcare provider. Symptoms that become worse should not be ignored. Report new or worsening symptoms right away.
Sometimes, dietary changes can be helpful for constipation and diarrhea. However, these should be discussed with a healthcare provider to ensure there aren’t reasons to avoid a special diet. Dietary interventions may include eating a high-fiber diet and avoiding spicy or greasy foods.
The treatment for anal cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, which considers the size of the tumor and if it has spread to any other areas. The goal of treatment is often to cure the cancer while still preserving the ability to use the anus.
Surgical removal may be recommended when tumors are small and haven’t spread. However, a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy is often the treatment approach. Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and shrink the tumor, while chemotherapy involves medications that help destroy cancer cells and make them more sensitive to radiation.
For advanced cases in which the cancer has spread or does not respond well to other treatments, a more extensive surgery may be required. This involves removing the anus and part of the rectum, and requires a permanentcolostomy.(The colon is connected to a stoma in the abdomen where stool exits the body and is collected in an appliance).
It’s important to discuss all treatment options with your healthcare provider to understand what treatment is recommended and why.
Symptoms and Side Effects From Treatment
While treatments for anal cancer can be effective, they can also cause side effects. A common side effect of radiation therapy is skin irritation in the treated area. The skin around the anus can become red, sore, and tender, like a sunburn. This can make sitting or using the bathroom uncomfortable.
Radiation can cause fatigue, which tends to get worse as treatment goes on, leaving people feeling unusually tired even after rest. Diarrhea or a change in bowel habits are also common side effects of radiation.
While treatment-related side effects may be bothersome, they are often temporary and can improve or resolve after the treatment has ended.
Summary
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Cancer Institute.Anal cancer treatment- patient version.Rao S, Guren MG, Khan K, Brown G, Renehan AG, Steigen SE, Deutsch E, Martinelli E, Arnold D.Anal cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.Annals of Oncology.2021;32(9):1087-1100.Palefsky JM, Lee JY, Jay N, et al.Treatment of anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions to prevent anal cancer.N Engl J Med. 2022;386(24):2273-2282.Tagami K, Yoshizumi M, Inoue A, Matoba M.Effectiveness of gabapentinoids for cancer-related rectal and vesical tenesmus: report of four cases.Indian J Palliat Care. 2020;26(3):381-384.Pessia B, Romano L, Giuliani A, Lazzarin G, Carlei F, Schietroma M.Squamous cell anal cancer: management and therapeutic options.Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2020;55:36-46. doi:10.1016/j.amsu.2020.04.016
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Cancer Institute.Anal cancer treatment- patient version.Rao S, Guren MG, Khan K, Brown G, Renehan AG, Steigen SE, Deutsch E, Martinelli E, Arnold D.Anal cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.Annals of Oncology.2021;32(9):1087-1100.Palefsky JM, Lee JY, Jay N, et al.Treatment of anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions to prevent anal cancer.N Engl J Med. 2022;386(24):2273-2282.Tagami K, Yoshizumi M, Inoue A, Matoba M.Effectiveness of gabapentinoids for cancer-related rectal and vesical tenesmus: report of four cases.Indian J Palliat Care. 2020;26(3):381-384.Pessia B, Romano L, Giuliani A, Lazzarin G, Carlei F, Schietroma M.Squamous cell anal cancer: management and therapeutic options.Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2020;55:36-46. doi:10.1016/j.amsu.2020.04.016
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Cancer Institute.Anal cancer treatment- patient version.Rao S, Guren MG, Khan K, Brown G, Renehan AG, Steigen SE, Deutsch E, Martinelli E, Arnold D.Anal cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.Annals of Oncology.2021;32(9):1087-1100.Palefsky JM, Lee JY, Jay N, et al.Treatment of anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions to prevent anal cancer.N Engl J Med. 2022;386(24):2273-2282.Tagami K, Yoshizumi M, Inoue A, Matoba M.Effectiveness of gabapentinoids for cancer-related rectal and vesical tenesmus: report of four cases.Indian J Palliat Care. 2020;26(3):381-384.Pessia B, Romano L, Giuliani A, Lazzarin G, Carlei F, Schietroma M.Squamous cell anal cancer: management and therapeutic options.Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2020;55:36-46. doi:10.1016/j.amsu.2020.04.016
National Cancer Institute.Anal cancer treatment- patient version.
Rao S, Guren MG, Khan K, Brown G, Renehan AG, Steigen SE, Deutsch E, Martinelli E, Arnold D.Anal cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.Annals of Oncology.2021;32(9):1087-1100.
Palefsky JM, Lee JY, Jay N, et al.Treatment of anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions to prevent anal cancer.N Engl J Med. 2022;386(24):2273-2282.
Tagami K, Yoshizumi M, Inoue A, Matoba M.Effectiveness of gabapentinoids for cancer-related rectal and vesical tenesmus: report of four cases.Indian J Palliat Care. 2020;26(3):381-384.
Pessia B, Romano L, Giuliani A, Lazzarin G, Carlei F, Schietroma M.Squamous cell anal cancer: management and therapeutic options.Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2020;55:36-46. doi:10.1016/j.amsu.2020.04.016
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