Anal cancer

What to expect from your appointments

You have been referred to a specialist team because tests or symptoms suggest you may have, or are at risk of, anal cancer.

This first appointment is an opportunity to meet your care team, understand your diagnosis, and discuss what happens next.

• We will discuss your medical history - The doctor or nurse will talk with you about your general health, symptoms, and any tests you have already had
• Physical Examination- The doctor may examine the anal area and nearby lymph nodes (in the groin).You’ll have privacy, and everything will be explained beforehand. The examination may feel uncomfortable but should not be painful.
• Review of Test Results - Any previous scans, biopsies, or reports will be reviewed. If further information is needed, your team will arrange additional test

What to expect from your diagnostic tests and investigations

Anal cancer is diagnosed following various tests. Your medical team may request some of the following tests and investigations:

Examination

An examination of your anus will be carried out by a doctor.

Biopsy

A biopsy is a minor surgical procedure where a small part of your tissue is removed so that it can be examined under a microscope.

CT scan

Computerised tomography (CT) scans take pictures of your body to find out where the cancer is and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Before having a CT scan, you’ll be given an injection containing a special dye, which helps improve the quality of the image.

MRI scan

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses magnetism and radio waves to create a cross sectional picture of the body. You will have an MRI scan to see if your cancer has spread.

PET scan

A positron emission tomography (PET) scan produces a detailed three dimensional image inside of the body.

Treatment options and what to expect

Surgery

Surgery may be your primary treatment if you have a very small tumour; or may be used before or after other treatments.

SACT treatments

You may hear the following treatment being described as SACT, which means systemic anti-cancer therapies. These include chemotherapy and immunotherapy and are treatments that work throughout the entire body.

Chemotherapy

If your cancer has spread to other parts of the body, chemotherapy can be used to help to control it and relieve symptoms.

Chemo-radiotherapy

Chemo-radiation is often the main treatment for anal cancer. This is a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy

Radiotherapy

You may have radiotherapy on its own if you cannot have chemo-radiotherapy as a combination. Our Radiotherapy pages have more detailed information.

Getting support

Our support page has details of local and national cancer support organisations.

For more information to support you to keep well before, during, and after cancer treatment vistit our health and wellbeing pages.

Contacts

Colorectal Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Team – 0300 422 5617