What Is Anal Cancer? What Causes Anal Cancer?

Anal cancer occurs in the anus, the end of the gastrointestinal tract. Anal cancer is very different from colorectal cancer, which is much more common. Anal cancer's causes, risk factors, clinical progression, staging and treatment are all very different from colorectal cancer. Anal cancer is a lump which is created by the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the anus.

Anal cancer is very rare. In the UK approximately 800 patients are diagnosed annually, out of a total population of 61 million (2009). According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 5,070 new cases of anal cancers were diagnosed in the USA in 2008, of which about 60% were women. Most anal cancer patients are diagnosed in their early 60s. Approximately 680 people died from anal cancer in the USA in 2008. The USA has a population of 300 million (2009). Reports indicate that the incidence of this type of cancer is rising. The number of anal cancer cases is increasing in both sexes, particularly among American men, and changing trends in sexual behavior - combined with current tobacco use and infection by a specific strain of the human papillomavirus - may help explain the increase.


Anal cancer is more common among women, men who receive anal intercourse, and people with weakened immune systems. Experts say that anal cancer is closely associated with some HPV (human papilloma virus) strains.

The anus, the anal canal and squamous cell carcinomas

The anus is right at the end of the gastrointestinal tract - the area right at the end. While the anal canal is the tube that connects the rectum to the outside of the body. The anal canal is surrounded by the sphincter - a muscle. The sphincter controls bowel movements by contracting and relaxing. In short, the anus is the outside area while the anal canal is the tube.

The anal canal is lined with squamous cells - flat cells that look like fish scales under the microscope. The majority of anal cancers develop from these squamous cells. Such cancers are known as squamous cell carcinomas.

The point at which the anal canal meets the rectum is called the transitional zone. The transitional zone has squamous cells and glandular cells - these produce mucus which helps the stool (feces) pass through the anus smoothly. Adenocarcinoma (type of cancer) of the anus can develop from these glandular cells. However, squamous cell carcinomas make up the vast majority of anal cancers.

What are the symptoms of anal cancer?

• Rectal bleeding - the patient may notice blood on feces or toilet paper.
• Pain in the anal area.
• Lumps around the anus. These are frequently mistaken for piles (hemorrhoids).
• Mucus discharge from the anus.
• Jelly-like discharge from the anus.
• Anal itching.
• Change in bowel movements. This may include diarrhea, constipation, or thinning of stools.
• Fecal incontinence (problems controlling bowel movements).
• Bloating.
• Women may experience lower back pain as the tumor exerts pressure on the vagina.
• Women may experience vaginal dryness.

What causes anal cancer?

Experts are not sure what causes anal cancer. However, the following are considered as possible risk factors:

• HPV (human papilloma virus) - some types of HPV are closely linked to anal cancer. Approximately 80% of patients with anal cancer are infected in the anal area with a HPV.


• Sexual partner numbers - this is also linked to HPV. The more sexual partners somebody has (or has had) the higher are the chances of being infected with HPV, which is closely linked to anal cancer risk.


• Receptive anal intercourse - both men and women who receive anal intercourse have a higher risk of developing anal cancer. HIV-positive men who have sex with men are up to 90 times more likely than the general population to develop anal cancer, this study revealed.


• Other cancers - women who have had vaginal or cervical cancer, and men who have had penile cancer are at higher risk of developing anal cancer. This is also linked to HPV infection.


• Age - the older somebody is the higher is his/her risk of developing anal cancer. In fact, this is the case with most cancers.


• A weak immune system - people with a weakened immune system have a higher risk of developing anal cancer. This may include people with HIV/AIDS, patients who have had transplants and are taking immunosuppressant medications.


• Smoking - smokers are significantly more likely to develop anal cancer compared to non-smokers. In fact, smoking raises the risk of developing several cancers.


• Benign anal lesions - IBD (irritable bowel disease), hemorrhoids, fistulae or cicatrices. Inflammation resulting from benign anal lesions may increase a person's risk of developing anal cancer.

How is anal cancer diagnosed?

The first person to see will probably be a GP (general practitioner, primary care physician). The GP will ask the patient about his/her symptoms and carry out an examination. The doctor will also need to know about the patient's medical history. Then the patient will be referred to a colorectal surgeon - this is a doctor who specializes in bowel conditions. Colorectal surgeons are sometimes called proctologists. The specialist may carry out the following tests:

• A rectal examination - this may be a bit uncomfortable, but is not painful. A proctoscope or sigmoidoscope may be used - an instrument that allows the doctor to examine the area in more detail. In some countries this device is called an anoscope, and the procedure 'anoscopy'. The examination will determine whether the patient needs a biopsy.


• A biopsy - a small sample of tissue is taken from the anal area and sent to the lab for testing. Tissue will be examined under a microscope.

If cancerous tissue is detected after the biopsy the patient will need further tests to find out how advanced (big) the cancer is and whether or not it has spread. The following tests may be done:

• CT (computerized tomography) scan - X-rays are used to create a 3-dimensional picture of the target area.


• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan - magnets and radio waves produce 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional pictures of the target area.


• Ultrasound scan - sound waves are used to create an image of the target area. This could be done internally with a rectal ultrasound - the instrument is inserted into the anus before the scanning begins.

What is the treatment for anal cancer?

Treatment for anal cancer will depend on various factors, including how big the tumor is, whether or not it has spread, where it is, and the general health of the patient. If the tumor is small it can be removed surgically, and that's it.

• Surgery

The type of surgery a patient will require depends on the size and position of the tumor.


• Resection - this removes a small tumor and some surrounding tissue. This type of surgery can only be carried out if the anal sphincter is not sacrificed. Patients who undergo a resection do not have their ability to pass a bowel movement affected.


• Abdominoperineal resection - the anus, rectum and a section of the bowel are surgically removed. The patient will need a colostomy - the end of the bowel is brought out onto the skin on the surface of the abdomen. A bag is placed over the stoma - the opening of the bowel - and collects the stools (feces) outside the patient's body. Although this sounds shocking, people with colostomies can lead normal lives, play sports and have active sex lives.

In most cases, the patient will probably have to undergo chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.


• Chemotherapy and radiotherapy
  
  Radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy treatments (chemoradiation) are commonly used to destroy the anal cancer cells. Treatments are either given simultaneously or consecutively. This combined therapy approach has led to a much higher percentage of patients with an intact anal sphincter - survival and cure rates are good.
  
  Chemotherapy uses cytotoxic drugs (antineoplastics) - cytotoxic drugs prevent the cancer cells from dividing. They are administered either by injection or orally.
  
  Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays that destroy the cancer cells. This can be given by an external beam or internally (brachytherapy).
  
  Radiotherapy has side effects, as does chemotherapy. When the treatment is combined the side effects may be more acute. Side effects may include:


• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Soreness and blistering around the target area (anus)
• A higher susceptibility to infections during treatment
• Low white blood cell count (which raises infection risk)
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Mouth ulcers
• Sore mouth
• Loss of hair
• Narrowing and dryness of the vagina
• Anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Low platelet count which raises risk of bruising or bleeding
• Dry skin
• Rashes
• Muscle and nerve problems
• Excessive coughing, sometimes breathing difficulties
• Fertility problems

Prevention

• Reduce your chances of being infected with HPV
• Use condoms when having sex
• Limit the numbers of sexual partners
• Abstain from anal intercourse
• Quit smoking