Anal Cancer

Program Overview. At The Lacks Cancer Center our cancer treatment programs are increasing hope everyday, thanks to a multidisciplinary model of care, which incorporates a staff of progressive physicians, innovative technologies and aggressive treatments. In addition to this model, we continually review and apply the latest anti-cancer drugs, the newest staging and imaging techniques, and the most effective surgical procedures to ensure the best outcomes in the treatment of anal cancer.

Anal Cancer Overview. Anal cancer is an uncommon cancer, in which cancerous cells develop in the anal canal (area between rectum and anus) or anal verge (outer part of the anus). Cancers of the anal canal tend to be more common in women, while the incidence of cancers of the anal verge is roughly equal in both men and women. Symptoms include bleeding from the rectum (even a small amount), pain or pressure in the area around the anus, itching or discharge from the anus, a lump near the anus and, in advanced cases, loss of bowel control.

How It Develops. Anal cancers frequently begin as abnormal, precancerous cells that show signs of entering surrounding tissue (anal dysplasia). The most severe form of anal dysplasia is called carcinoma in situ . Over time, anal dysplasia eventually evolves and invades healthy cells, spreading (metastasizing) to other parts of the body, typically through the lymph nodes. Anal dysplasia is sometimes referred to as anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN)—a term that suggests possible malignancy (cancer).

Patients can become part of our Multidisciplinary GI Clinic through a referral from their primary care physician or with a self-referral by calling 1-877-LACKS-MI or 616-685-LACK(S).