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Anal cancer diagnosis
If you have symptoms of anal cancer, your GP will examine you and refer you to a specialist for tests.
If the tests show that you have anal cancer, the specialist will work out how far it has spread. This is known as staging.
Learn more about:
Tests
The main tests for diagnosing anal cancer are a physical examination and an endoscopy with biopsy.
Physical examination
The doctor inserts a gloved finger into your anus to feel for any lumps or swelling. This is called a digital anorectal examination (DARE).
Endoscopy with biopsy
The doctor inserts a narrow instrument called a sigmoidoscope or colonoscope into your anus to see the lining of the anal canal. This may be done under a general anaesthetic so that a tissue sample (biopsy) can be taken. The biopsy will be sent to a laboratory for testing.
If anal cancer is found, you may need one or more imaging scans to check if it has spread. These scans may include an MRI, an endorectal ultrasound, a CT scan or a PET–CT scan.
To find out about these tests, call Cancer Council 13 11 20.
Staging and prognosis
Staging describes how far the cancer has spread. Knowing the stage helps doctors plan the best treatment for you. Anal cancer is staged using the TNM (tumour–nodes–metastasis) system.
T (tumour) 0–4 | indicates how far the tumour has grown into the bowel wall and nearby areas: T1 is a smaller tumour; T4 is a larger tumour |
N (nodes) 0–3 | shows if the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes (small glands): N0 means no cancer is in the lymph nodes; N1 means cancer is in the lymph nodes around the rectum; N2 means cancer is in pelvic and/ or groin lymph nodes on one side; N3 means cancer is in other nearby lymph nodes |
M (metastasis) 0–1 | shows if the cancer has spread to other, distant parts of the body: M0 means cancer has not spread; M1 means cancer has spread |
Many people feel understandably shocked and upset when told they have anal cancer. If you need support, call Cancer Council 13 11 20.
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Dr Chip Farmer, Colorectal Surgeon, The Alfred, The Avenue and Cabrini Hospitals, VIC; Tara Faure, Lower GI Nurse Consultant, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Dr Debra Furniss, Radiation Oncologist, GenesisCare, QLD; Caitriona Nienaber, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Max Niggl, Consumer; Julie O’Rourke, CNC Radiation Oncology, Cancer Rapid Assessment Unit, Cancer and Ambulatory Support, Canberra Health Services ACT; Dr Satish Warrier, Colorectal Surgeon, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC.
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