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Anal cancer

Anal cancer is a rare form of cancer. The tumor originates in or near the anus. Another name for anal cancer is anal carcinoma.

In the past ten years, anal cancer has become more common in the Netherlands. About the same number of men and women develop anal cancer, usually when they are 55 to 65 years old. The risk of anal cancer is greater with an infection with certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV).

On this page you can read more about the symptoms, examinations and treatment for anal cancer.

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Center of expertise for rare tumors

If few people are diagnosed with a certain type of cancer per year, we call it a rare form of cancer. With such small numbers, we bundle the expertise in an expertise center. Anal cancer is such a rare type of cancer. The Netherlands Cancer Institute is a centre of expertise for anal cancer.
NKI Center for Rare Tumors

More information about anal cancer

Causes of anal cancer

Anal cancer is often caused by an HPV infection. But there is not always a clear cause.

Not everyone with an HPV infection gets anal cancer. The risk of anal cancer is greater if someone:

  • has had multiple sexual contacts
  • is HIV-positive
  • is taking medication that suppresses the immune system (for example, after an organ transplant)

Women who have previously had cervical cancer or vulvar cancer are also more likely to develop anal cancer. HPV also plays a role in these forms of cancer.

Symptoms of anal cancer

People with anal cancer can suffer from the following signs and symptoms:

  • blood from the anus
  • itching or pain in or near the anus
  • a bump, lump, or swelling near the anus
  • often urge to go to the toilet
  • a different stool pattern, such as alternating constipation and diarrhea

Sometimes anal cancer does not cause any symptoms. These symptoms can also have other causes, such as hemorrhoids.

Anal cancer treatment

The treatment you receive depends on the type of tumor. A small tumor can be removed more easily in surgery. Most people with anal cancer are treated with radiotherapy (radiation) and chemotherapy. Your health and fitness also play a role. The doctor will explain well in advance what is going to happen, and you will have plenty of time to ask questions. You will receive one or more of the following treatments:

Radiotherapy for anal cancer

Chemotherapy

Chemoradiation

Wait times

We want to inform you as well as possible about the waiting time per condition. We do this based on a prognosis of the current waiting list. The waiting time can vary from patient to patient for various reasons. Your attending physician will give you more information during your outpatient consultation.

  • 3 days

    First appointment

    Your first appointment will be planned within approximately 3 days.

  • 5 days

    Rapid diagnostics

    You can usually come in for rapid diagnostics within 5 days

    More about rapid diagnostics
  • 5 days

    Second opinion

    It will take approximately five days before you can come in for a second opinion

Read more about making an appointment and second opinion

Make an appointment

Second opinion or transfer
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Don't let taboo cancer play a role anymore

Shame, fear and a lack of knowledge often cause people to seek help too late. This often results in heavier treatment or less chance of a cure. That is why the NKI has started a campaign to encourage people to talk about it and to discuss any complaints. The campaign consists of stimulating and informative videos and podcast episodes with stories of experience.
Watch the videos here and listen to the podcast

Disclaimer

This translation was generated automatically based on information in Dutch. It has not been reviewed by a medical specialist. The purpose of this translation is to make our information accessible to non-Dutch speakers. However, this information should not be considered a substitute for medical advice from your treating physician. The Netherlands Cancer Institute cannot guarantee the accuracy of this translation. For medical questions or advice, please consult your physician.

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