Anal Cancer

Using a multidisciplinary approach, our experts draw on Emory's vast resources in surgical oncology, radiation therapy and medical oncology, to provide the newest, most effective practices and treatments for anal cancer.

Our teams include surgical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, pharmacists and advanced practice nurses with expertise in anal cancer. As specialists, our teams develop groundbreaking surgeries and treatments that produce better outcomes and are adopted by other leading cancer centers.

The benefits of our multidisciplinary and highly experienced teams include:

• Access to doctors and surgeons who rank among the top cancer experts in the world.
• Weekly review of patient cases by the full team of experts.
• Coordinated scheduling for appointments among various specialties.
• Access to a nurse navigator to assist you throughout the treatment process.
• Access to support groups and education classes for you and your caregivers.
• Availability of new treatment options within our clinical trials program.

Request an Appointment

If you have been diagnosed with anal cancer, we are ready to help you. Call us at (404) 778-0032 to make an appointment. Winship experts are available for a second opinion.

We understand that this is a very stressful time. We welcome your questions and requests for help. Learn what to expect on your first visit.

The skin around the outside of the anus is called the perianal area. Tumors in this area are skin tumors, not anal cancer.

Early detection of anal cancer is important for good outcomes. The following tests and procedures may be used to detect anal cancer:

• Physical exam and health history
• Digital rectal exam
• Anoscopy: an exam of the anus and lower rectum using a short, lighted tube called an anoscope.
• Proctoscopy: an exam of the anus and lower rectum using a short, lighted tube called an proctoscope.
• Endo-anal or endorectal ultrasound: an ultrasound probe is inserted into the anus or rectum and used to bounce high-energy sound waves off internal tissues or organs. The echoes form a sonogram.
• Biopsy: removal of cells or tissues to check for signs of cancer.

One or more of the following types of treatment will be used.

Surgery: There are two types of surgery used to treat anal cancer: local resection and abdominoperineal resection.

• Local resection is the removal of the tumor along with some surrounding healthy tissue. This procedure may allow patients to retain control of their bowels and is used if the cancer is small and has not spread.
• Abdominoperineal resection is used for more advanced anal cancers and is the removal of the anus, the rectum and part of the colon. This type of surgery requires the patient to use a colostomy bag because they can no longer control their bowels. Lymph nodes may also be removed during this procedure.

Radiation: Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. Physicians may use radiation by itself to treat anal tumors or to shrink tumors before surgery. Radiation therapy is given based on the stage of the tumor.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be used in combination with surgery to treat cancer.

Clinical Trials

In addition to standard therapy, participating in clinical trials may be an option in certain cases. Clinical trials provide patients access to new medications that are being developed to treat anal cancer. Consider talking with your doctor about participating in a clinical trial at Winship.

Supportive Oncology Care