Anal cancer: symptoms and examination
This page is information about when symptoms at the anus need closer examination. Most symptoms are caused by benign conditions, but persistent bleeding, an ulcer or a lump should be assessed. Treatment of anal cancer takes place in specialised hospital care.
Written by Bahir Hadi, specialist in surgery, PhD
Awaiting medical review.
Short answer
Anal cancer is a rare cancer arising in the skin just around the anus or in the lining of the lower anal canal. The symptoms often resemble haemorrhoids or a fissure, and the great majority of people who have them have something benign. That is exactly why persistent symptoms should be examined rather than treated blindly. 1, 2
This page is information and guidance on how suspicion is clarified. Treatment of anal cancer takes place in a specialised hospital setting.
Symptoms that need examination
- Rectal bleeding that continues.
- Pain on defecation or persistent itching and burning.
- A sore or a lump at the anus that does not heal.
- A feeling of fullness when you sit.
- Changed control of gas and stool.
- Swollen lymph nodes in the groin. 1, 2
If you have had haemorrhoid-like symptoms for a longer period, get examined before continuing with suppositories or creams. 1
Risk factors
Most cases are linked to infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), which is very common and passed on through sex. A weakened immune system and smoking also increase the risk. This is nothing to feel guilty about. HPV is widespread, and most infected people never develop cancer. 3
Examination
The doctor looks at the skin around the anus and examines the anal canal with a finger. The canal is assessed with a short instrument, an anoscope, and tissue samples are taken from suspicious changes. The diagnosis can only be made on a tissue sample. 2
With well-founded suspicion you are referred to a cancer pathway, where the investigations follow a fixed plan. The professional recommendations for anal cancer and cell changes in the area are collected in the Danish guidelines. 4
Treatment
Treatment is most often radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy, and in some cases surgery. It takes place in a specialised hospital department, not in a specialist clinic. 3
Contact the clinic to clarify whether your referral belongs here.
When it needs to be fast
Contact a doctor without waiting for heavy bleeding, a sore or lump that grows, severe pain, fever together with swelling and redness, or if you feel generally unwell. Call 112 if you are severely affected, otherwise 1813 in the Capital Region or the out-of-hours doctor.
What you can do yourself
- Do not delay being examined even if it feels embarrassing. For the doctor it is an ordinary examination.
- Write down how long the symptoms have lasted and what you have tried.
- Read about related conditions: anal fissure, haemorrhoids and blood in the stool.
Sources
Contact and appointments
Online booking is not available. Please call the clinic or ask your GP for a referral, so we can find the right appointment.
If you are in health insurance group 1 and have a valid referral from your GP, the examinations and treatments covered by the clinic's public health agreement are covered by the Danish public health insurance, so you pay nothing for them yourself. If you are in health insurance group 2, there is usually a small co-payment under the health insurance rules. If you are paying yourself, contact the clinic for a price.
Call the clinic
+45 39 64 01 25
Phone hours
Phone hours: Mon–Thu 09:00–12:00
Address
Hans Edvard Teglers Vej 9, 1st floor · 2920 Charlottenlund
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Contact information
- Hans Edvard Teglers Vej 9, 1st floor · 2920 Charlottenlund
- +45 39 64 01 25
- mail@kirurgen.dk
- Phone hours: Mon–Thu 09:00–12:00
For referring physicians
Provider number: 215430