What are the stages of anal cancer?

Riverside Cancer Care Center

The following are the stages of anal cancer:

Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ)
In stage 0, abnormal cells are found in the innermost lining of the anus. These abnormal cells may become cancer and spread into nearby normal tissue. Stage 0 is also called carcinoma in situ.

Stage I
In stage I, cancer has formed and the tumor is 2 centimeters or smaller.

Stage II
In stage II, the tumor is larger than 2 centimeters.

Stage IIIA
In stage IIIA, the tumor may be any size and has spread to either:

Lymph nodes near the rectum; or Nearby organs, such as the vagina, urethra, and bladder.

Stage IIIB
In stage IIIB, the tumor may be any size and has spread:

To nearby organs and to lymph nodes near the rectum; or To lymph nodes on one side of the pelvis and/or groin, and may have spread to nearby organs; or To 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
In stage IV, the tumor may be any size and cancer may have spread to lymph nodes or nearby organs and has spread to distant parts of the body.

This answer is based on source information from the National Cancer Institute.

Continue Learning about Anal Cancer

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Anal Cancer

A rare disease, anal cancer accounts for less than 6,000 cases a year in the U.S., although its incidence appears to be increasing each year. Anal cancer occurs when malignant tumors develop at the opening end of the rectum. Benign, or noncancerous, tumors can also later develop into anal cancer. While no one knows its cause, doctors believe a genetic mutation leads to anal cancer. Caught early, this cancer can be cured; however, once it spreads to other organs, the five-year survival rate drops to 20%. Treatment includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgical removal of the cancer. If you are older than 50, have multiple sexual partners, smoke cigarettes or have the human papillomavirus (HPV), you are at greater risk of developing this cancer. You are also at greater risk if you take immunosuppressive drugs like those taken after an organ transplant. Visit your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms: anal itching, bleeding in the anus or rectum, and pain near the anus.

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