This is a rare type of cancer that affects the end of the large intestine, the anus.

 

Symptoms may include:

- Rectal bleeding

- Pain or itching of the anus

- Lumps around the anus

- Mucus or pussy discharge from anus

- Loss of control over the bowel

 

Causes and risk factors may include:

- Infection with human pappiloma virus (HPV) – sexually transmitted

- Having many sexual partners

- Anal sex

- Having a historyof cervical, vaginal or vulval cancer

- Smoking

- Weak immune system for example if you are HIV positive

- More common in older, male patients

 

Diagnosing:

If you have any of the above symptoms, please contact your doctor.

A biopsy has to be done. This means a small piece of tissue needs to be obtained and sent to the laboratory for examination. This procedure will be done under sedation or anaesthesia.

 

Treatment:

The main treatment includes a combination of surgery, chemotherapy or radiation thearapy.

 

When you treatment is finished, you will need to do regular check ups with your surgeon to monitor any signs of recurrence.