Anal cancer is the term for abnormal growth of cells in the anal canal. It is an uncommon type of cancer in the gastrointestinal tract.
The anus is connected to the rectum by the anal canal. The anal canal is a short tube at the end of the rectum through which stool leaves the body.
- Types of Anal cancer based on the site of origin:
- Cancers of the anal canal
- Cancers of the perianal skin (the skin around the anus).
Depending on the cell of origin, Anal Cancers may be Squamous cell carcinomas, Adenocarcinomas, Basal Cell Carcinomas or Melanomas. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of Anal Cancer that originates from the squamous cells lining the anal canal and anal margin.
