Signs and Symptoms of Anal Cancer

Sometimes anal cancer causes no symptoms at all. But bleeding is often the first sign of the disease. The bleeding is usually minor.

Common symptoms of anal cancer

Signs and symptoms of anal cancer can be different for different people. Anal cancer symptoms may not go away. However, some symptoms may go away and then come back.

Important symptoms of anal cancer include:

• Bleeding from the anus or rectum
• Itching in or around the anus or rectum
• A lump or mass at the anal opening
• Pain or a feeling of fullness in the anal area
• Narrow stools that are thinner than usual or other changes in bowel movements
• Abnormal discharge from the anus
• Incontinence of stool (loss of bowel control)
• Swollen lumps or lymph nodes in the anal or groin areas

These types of symptoms are often more likely to be caused by benign (non-cancer) conditions, like hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or anal warts. Still, if you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to have them checked by a doctor so that the cause can be found and treated, if needed.

Hemorrhoids versus anal cancer

Bleeding from the anus or rectum is often the first sign of anal cancer, but it is more often caused by hemorrhoids. Even though hemorrhoids are more common than anal cancer, it's important not to assume that if you have rectal bleeding, it's from hemorrhoids. If you have rectal bleeding, it's important to talk to your doctor.

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen or inflamed blood vessels (veins) in the lining of the anus or rectum. Everyone has these blood vessels, and even minor swelling doesn't usually cause problems. But hemorrhoids can start to cause problems if they get larger, become painful, or bleed. While they’re not usually serious, hemorrhoids can make daily life harder for some people.

Hemorrhoids can swell and bleed due to:

• Straining (bearing down) during bowel movements
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Having anal sex (intercourse)
• Excess body weight
• Not eating enough fiber
• Being pregnant
• Lifting heavy things

Signs of hemorrhoids

The most common signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids are:

• Bleeding: Hemorrhoids can bleed in varying amounts. Some people might notice blood in the toilet or on toilet paper with bowel movements. Other times, hemorrhoids are less swollen and don't bleed much. Or they might bleed once in a while, and the bleeding comes and goes.
• Pain and itching: When hemorrhoids swell, they can lead to discomfort, pain, or itching around the anus or in the rectum. These symptoms may get worse during a bowel movement or just after stool is pushed out during a bowel movement.
• Swelling or lump: A small lump or protrusion might be felt or seen at the anal opening, especially for larger hemorrhoids.

Since these problems can also be signs of anal cancer, it’s still important to check with a doctor—especially if the bleeding continues or you also have other symptoms like a lump or pain.

Anal cancer with no symptoms

In its early stages, anal cancer may cause no noticeable symptoms. Some people experience gradual changes over time, such as mild discomfort or occasional bleeding, but might not realize they could be warning signs.

Because bleeding is often the first symptom, it’s important not to ignore it, even if it seems minor. As anal cancer grows, you may start to feel a lump, mass, or tumor. If you notice any symptoms that are new and don't go away, talk to your doctor. Finding anal cancer early means treatment is more likely to be successful.