Anal Cancer Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms of anal cancer

Anal cancer is often asymptomatic, but some symptoms include:

• Anal bleeding or discharge
• Changes in bowel movements or the appearance of your stool
• Presence of a lump near the anus
• Pain or pressure around the anus
• Swollen lymph nodes in the anal region or in the groin

How is anal cancer diagnosed?

Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute’s diagnostic specialists use the most advanced technologies and minimally invasive techniques to diagnose anal cancer. If you have symptoms of anal cancer, your doctor will do a physical exam and review your health history, including your habits, lifestyle and family history.

He or she will also do one or more of the following diagnostic tests:

• Imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), colonoscopy, proctoscopy and anoscopy
• Fine needle aspiration biopsy
• Blood, urine or stool tests to measure the concentration of certain substances secreted by organs, tissues or tumor cells present in your body