Types of Cancer » Anal Cancer

anal cancer (AY-nul KAN-ser) Cancer that forms in tissues of the anus. The anus is the opening of the rectum (last part of the large intestine) to the outside of the body.

anal Having to do with the anus, which is the posterior opening of the large bowel.

anus (AY-nus) The opening of the rectum to the outside of the body.

stage 0 anal cancer Cancer is found in the innermost lining of the anus only. Also called carcinoma in situ.

stage I anal cancer The tumor is no larger than 2 centimeters.

stage II anal cancer The tumor is larger than 2 centimeters.

stage III anal cancer Stage III anal cancer is divided into stage IIIA and IIIB. Stage IIIA anal cancer has spread to the lymph nodes around the rectum or to nearby organs such as the vagina or bladder. Stage IIIB cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the middle of the abdomen or in the groin, or the cancer has spread to both nearby organs and the lymph nodes around the rectum.

stage IIIA anal cancer Stage III anal cancer is divided into stages IIIA and IIIB. In stage IIIA, the tumor may be any size and has spread to either (1) lymph nodes near the rectum; or (2) nearby organs, such as the vagina, urethra, and bladder.

stage IIIB anal cancer Stage III anal cancer is divided into stages IIIA and IIIB. In stage IIIB, the tumor may be any size and has spread to (1) nearby organs and to lymph nodes near the rectum; or (2) lymph nodes on one side of the pelvis and/or groin, and may have spread to nearby organs; or (3) lymph nodes near the rectum and in the groin, and/or to lymph nodes on both sides of the pelvis and/or groin, and may have spread to nearby organs.

stage IV anal cancer The tumor may be any size, and cancer has spread to distant parts of the body. It may also have spread to lymph nodes and nearby organs.