Anal Cancer

The anus is comprised of a canal and two sphincter muscles with an opening at the end of the large intestine. When anal cancer is present, malignant cells form in the tissues that make up and surround the anus. Anal cancer develops when normal cells die and mutate at a rapid rate into abnormal cells. These cells become a malignant tumor and begin to spread. Symptoms of anal cancer may range from minor to severe. The most common symptoms that arise from anal cancer include bleeding around the anus, development of a lump near the anus, drainage, itching and a noticeable change in bowel movements. Treatments may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery to remove the tumor.