The anus is the muscular area at the end of the large bowel. It controls bowel movements by opening and closing. The anus is about an inch and a half long and is lined with squamous cells. Another name for this muscle is the sphincter. What is Anal Cancer ? Anal Cancer is cancer that grows in the anus. Anal cancer is a rare form of cancer. Cancer spreads through the body via the bloodstream or via the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of the body's defence against infections and disease. The system is made up of a network of lymph nodes that are linked by ducts containing lymph fluid. Types of Anal Cancer ? There are different stages of Anal cancer. stage 1 - smaller than 2cm. Only affects the anus. stage 2 - bigger than 2cm. Has not spread to other parts of the body. stage 3a - has spread to lymph nodes close to the rectum or vagina. stage 3b - has spread to lymph nodes in the groin and pelvis, onto lymph nodes close to the anus, bladder or vagina. stage 4 - has spread to lymph nodes in the abdomen, liver and other such vital organs. The causes of Anal Cancer ? - Causes of Anal cancer are unknown. - More common in gay men. - More common in people with HIV or a lowered immmunity. - Cigarette smoking. The Symptoms ? - Bleeding from the rectum, pain. - Itching. - Discharge of mucous from the anus. - Small firm lumps similar to piles(haemorrhoids). Diagnosis of Anal Cancer ? The following tests may be carried out: - Seeing a specialist in bowel conditions. - Rectal examination. - Seeing a specialist in bowel conditions. - Biopsy. Where a sample of cells are taken and examined, either by a special device(punch biopsy) or by incsion(incision biopsy). The Treatments ? - Operation. To remove cancerous sections of the anus, local resection, or abdominoperineal. - Chemotherapy. To shrink or slow growth of the cancer. Usually a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy therapy is used. - Radiation Therapy. Not that effective for anus cancer. Usually a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy therapy is used.