Anal cancer begins within the anal canal, taking root in the mucosa, which are fast-dividing cells that are usually tasked with lubricating the region. This is an area of changing tissue types, as the rectum gives way to the anal canal, and then to the anal verge where external skin begins. Anal cancer can arise anywhere along this passageway.
Tumors can be either benign or malignant, of course, and this holds for tumors of the anus as well. When anal cancer strikes with malignant cells, it can be slow-growing or fast-growing, and may take several forms, including:
- Adenocarcinomas
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs)
- Squamous cell carcinomas
- Basal cell carcinomas
Distinguishing among these types of anal cancer, and finding suitable treatment for each, is one of the most important things we do as proctologists in Los Angeles. Anal cancer can be deadly if left untreated, and its symptoms may mimic a number of other disorders. The best way to know for sure what you’re dealing with is to visit an expert anal cancer doctor.
Contact the Proctology Institute for a checkup today.
