Common Anal Cancer Symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms of anal cancer can lead to early diagnosis and treatment, which are essential for the best outcomes. While anal cancer is rare, its symptoms often resemble those of less serious conditions, like hemorrhoids or infections, which can delay diagnosis. Here’s a guide to the most common symptoms and when to seek medical care.

Anal Bleeding

Anal bleeding is the most commonly reported symptom of anal cancer. You may notice blood in your stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl. The blood can vary in color from bright red to dark maroon.

• Why Bleeding Happens: Cancerous growths or lesions in the anal canal can disrupt normal tissue, causing bleeding, especially during bowel movements.

• Other Possible Causes: While bleeding is a sign of anal cancer, it’s also common with other conditions, like hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and inflammatory bowel diseases (such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis). Cancer-related bleeding tends to be more persistent and may worsen over time.

• When to See a Doctor: Any rectal bleeding that doesn’t improve or keeps coming back should be checked by a healthcare provider. Persistent bleeding, especially with other symptoms, may require tests like an anoscopy, colonoscopy, or imaging.

Pain or Pressure in the Anal Area

Pain or a feeling of pressure around the anus is another common symptom. This discomfort can range from mild to severe and may be most noticeable during bowel movements.

• Why Pain Happens: The anus is highly sensitive! As anal cancer grows, it can impact surrounding tissues and nerves, causing pain or pressure. Inflammation caused by cancer can also lead to swelling and discomfort.

• Other Possible Causes: Pain in the anal area can also occur with conditions like hemorrhoids, abscesses, or infections. However, pain related to anal cancer often doesn’t improve with over-the-counter treatments.

• When to See a Doctor: Persistent anal pain or pressure, especially if it doesn’t improve with treatment, should be discussed with a healthcare provider. A physical exam or diagnostic tests, like an anoscopy, can help determine the cause.

Lumps or Growths Around the Anus

Lumps or growths near the anus are a common sign of anal cancer. These lumps can vary in size and may be either painful or painless. You might feel them while cleaning the area or notice them visually.

• Why Lumps Appear: Tumors form as cancerous cells cluster together, creating a mass. Tumors can develop inside the anal canal or as external lumps around the anus.

• Other Possible Causes: Lumps near the anus may also result from hemorrhoids, cysts, abscesses, or benign growths. Cancer-related lumps tend to be more persistent and may increase in size over time.

• When to See a Doctor: Any new lump or growth in the anal area that doesn’t go away or grows should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. They may conduct a digital rectal exam or order imaging tests to assess the growth.

Itching or Discharge

Persistent itching (pruritus) and unusual discharge are also possible signs of anal cancer. While occasional itching can be minor, ongoing itching that doesn’t improve may be a red flag. Some individuals may also notice a watery, mucus-like, or bloody discharge.

• Why Itching and Discharge Occur: Cancerous growths can irritate the anal canal, leading to itching, inflammation, and discomfort. Overwiping due to bleeding or persistent diarrhea can also contribute to irritation. Additionally, tumors may interfere with normal mucus production, causing abnormal discharge. In some cases, tumors can lead to infections that produce discharge.

• Other Possible Causes: Itching and discharge are also symptoms of anal skin conditions like dermatitis, yeast infections, or hemorrhoids. Cancer-related symptoms, however, are usually persistent and may appear with other warning signs, like bleeding or pain.

• When to See a Doctor: If itching or discharge doesn’t respond to over-the-counter treatments or keeps returning, see a healthcare provider. Persistent symptoms may indicate an underlying issue, and a thorough evaluation can help determine the cause.

Changes in Bowel Movements

Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation, diarrhea, or difficulty controlling bowel movements, may signal a problem. Stools may also appear thinner than usual, or you may feel like you haven’t fully emptied your bowels.

• Why Bowel Changes Happen: Tumors in or near the anal canal can affect the normal passage of stool. As tumors grow, they may partially obstruct the canal, leading to narrower stools. Cancerous growths may also affect sphincters and muscle control, leading to issues like incontinence or difficulty with bowel movements.

• Other Possible Causes: Bowel movement changes can stem from many causes, including diet, stress, infections, or gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. Persistent or unexplained changes, especially with other symptoms, should be checked by a doctor.

• When to See a Doctor: If you notice ongoing changes in bowel habits that don’t improve with diet changes or over-the-counter remedies, consult your healthcare provider. They may suggest tests, like a colonoscopy or imaging, to find the cause.

Since anal cancer symptoms can mimic those of other, less serious conditions, it’s essential to pay attention to any unusual changes in your health. Early detection improves treatment success, so if you experience these symptoms and they persist or worsen, reach out to a healthcare provider. Being vigilant can help you catch potential issues early and take control of your health.