Types of anal cancer
There are different types of anal cancer. The most common type of anal cancer is squamous cell carcinoma.
About types of anal cancer
There are different types of anal cancer. Knowing the type you have helps your doctor plan your individual treatment.
Related pages
Squamous cell carcinoma
Most anal cancers develop in the squamous cells. The squamous cells make up the lining of the anal canal.
There are different subtypes of squamous cell carcinoma. But they are all treated in the same way.
The anal cancer information on our website is about squamous cell cancer of the anus.
Other types of anal cancer
Adenocarcinoma
Sometimes cancer develops in the glandular cells in the anal canal. These cells make mucus. This type of cancer is called adenocarcinoma. It is not common.
It is similar to rectal cancer and treated in the same way. We have more information about rectal cancer.
Mucosal melanoma
This is a type of skin cancer that develops from cells called melanocytes. These give skin its colour. Mucosal melanoma of the anus is rare. We have separate information about mucosal melanoma.
Other cancers
Rarely, other types of cancer can start in the anus. These include:
We have separate information about these types.
About our information
This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan Cancer Support’s Cancer Information Development team. It has been reviewed by expert medical and health professionals and people living with cancer.
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References
Below is a sample of the sources used in our anal cancer information. If you would like more information about the sources we use, please contact us at informationproductionteam@macmillan.org.uk
S Rao, MG Guren, K Khan et al. Anal cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. 2021. European Society of Medical Oncology. Available from: www.esmo.org/guidelines/guidelines-by-topic/esmo-clinical-practice-guidelines-gastrointestinal-cancers/anal-cancer [accessed January 2023].
O Dahl, MP Myklebust, JE Dale et al. Evaluation of the stage classification of anal cancer by the TNM 8th version versus the TNM 7th version. 2020. Acta Oncologica, 59(9), 1016–1023. Available from: www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/0284186X.2020.1778180 [accessed December 2022].
Date reviewed
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