Cancer is a disease that no one wants to face, but knowing the facts can help you protect your health. When it comes to cancers in the lower part of the digestive system, rectal cancer and anal cancer are often mistaken for one another. While these cancers occur in areas that are close together, they differ regarding where they develop, what causes them, and how they are treated. This blog will explain the key difference between anal and rectal cancer, including causes, treatments, symptoms and Diagnosed.

Understanding the Difference Between Anal vs Rectal Cancer

Rectal Cancer: Rectal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the rectum, the last part of the large intestine, where the body stores stool before it is passed out. It happens when cells in the rectum grow abnormally and form a tumor. This can cause symptoms like blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, pain  or weight loss. Early detection is important because treatment, such as surgery, chemotherapy or radiation works best when the cancer is caught early.

Anal Cancer: Anal cancer, on the other hand, starts in the anus. The opening at the end of the digestive system where waste exits the body.

Symptoms of rectal and anal cancer?

The signs of rectal and anal cancer may include:

• Bleeding: This can include blood in the stool or bleeding from the rectum.
• Pain or discomfort: Pain in the rectal area or while passing stool.
• Lump or mass: A noticeable lump near the anus or inside the rectum.
• Bowel habits change: Diarrhea, constipation or narrower stools that last for weeks.
• Itching: Persistent itching in or around the anus.
• Discharge: Mucus or unusual discharge from the anus.
• Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without trying.
• Fatigue: Feeling very tired or weak.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor for further evaluation. Early detection can make treatment more effective.

Causes of rectal and anal cancer

The causes of rectal and anal cancer are not completely understood, but several factors can increase the risk:

• Human papillomavirus (HPV): Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a main cause of anal cancer.
• Smoking: Tobacco use can damage cells and raise the risk of both cancers.
• Age: The risk increases as people get older, especially over age 30.
• Family History: Having close relatives with colorectal cancer raises your chances.
• Chronic Inflammation: Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease ( Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis) can increase the risk of rectal cancer.
• Weak immune system: People with HIV or other conditions that lower immunity are at higher risk.
• Unprotected anal sex: This can increase exposure to HIV or other infections.
• Poor Diet: Eating too much red or processed meat and low fiber can contribute to rectal cancer.

Treatments for rectal and anal cancer

The treatments for anal and rectal cancer depend on the stage, location and overall health of the patient. Below are the common treatments explained in simple terms:

1. Surgery

• For Rectal Cancer: Doctors remove the cancerous part of the rectum and nearby tissues. If the cancer is detected early, a minor surgery may be enough. In advanced cases, part of the rectum or the whole rectum may be removed. Sometimes, a colostomy (a hole in the belly for waste to exit) is required.
• For Anal Cancer: Surgery is less common but may be done if the cancer does not respond to other treatments or if the tumor is small. The surgeon removes the cancerous tissues while preserving as much of the anus as possible.

2. Radiation Therapy

• For Rectal Cancer: Radiation can be done before surgery to shrink the tumor, making it easier to remove.
• For Anal Cancer: For anal cancer, radiation is often used together with chemotherapy, known as chemoradiation. It helps shrink the tumor and improve the chances of a cure.

3. Chemotherapy

• For Rectal Cancer: Chemotherapy is given before or after surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer returning.
• For Anal Cancer: For anal cancer, chemotherapy is usually used along with radiation therapy. This combination is very effective and can sometimes cure cancer without surgery.

4. Immunotherapy

• Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system fight cancer.
• It is mainly used for advanced anal cancer, especially if the cancer has spread or does not respond to other treatments.

How are Rectal and Anal Cancers Diagnosed?

Doctors use several tests to diagnose rectal and anal cancers. These tests help find the location, size and stage of the cancer.

1. Medical History and Physical Exam

• The doctor will ask about your symptoms such as bleeding, pain or changes in bowel habits.
• They will also check your medical history, family history of cancer and risk factors like smoking or HIV infection.
• A physical exam, including feeling the abdomen and checking for lumps or tenderness will be done.

2. Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)

• The doctor wears a glove and carefully inserts a finger into the rectum to check for lumps, swelling, or unusual areas.
• This is a simple test often used to check for rectal and anal cancers.

3. Anoscopy (For anal cancer)

• The doctors use a short tube called an anoscope to look inside the anus and the lower rectum.
• It helps them spot lumps, abdominal tissues or bleeding.

4. Colonoscopy (For Rectal cancer)

• A thin, flexible tube with a small camera (colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum and colon.
• The doctors examine the entire colon and rectum to check for polyps, tumors and abnormal growths.
• If needed, a small sample of tissue (biopsy) is taken for testing.

5. Biopsy

• A biopsy confirms the diagnosis of cancer. The doctor collects a small piece of tissue from the suspicious area.
• The tissue sample is sent to a lab, where an expert looks at it under a microscope to check for cancer cells.

Conclusion:

Understanding the difference between rectal cancer and anal cancer is important for awareness, early detection and prevention. Rectal cancer develops in the rectum, while anal cancer starts in the anus. Their causes, symptoms and treatments are different but both can be managed successfully with early diagnosis.