Anal examination
What is an anal examination?
An anal examination is when a specialist examines the anal area for any signs of cancer. Sometimes they do an internal examination of the vagina. This is because it is so close to the anal canal.
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Having an anal examination
An examination of the anus is sometimes called an endoscopy.
You usually have the examination in the hospital outpatient department. If your doctor thinks it may be painful, it can be done under general anaesthetic. You can still go home the same day.
What to expect during the test
For this examination, you lie on your left side with your knees drawn up towards your chest. A doctor gently passes a thin tube into your back passage. This tube is called an endoscope. It has a light and camera on the end. The doctor uses it to examine the whole back passage, including the anal canal and rectum. They can use different types of endoscope.
Having a biopsy
You may have a biopsy at the same time as an endoscopy. Because a biopsy can be uncomfortable, you usually have it under general anaesthetic. You can still go home the same day.
During a biopsy, the doctor might apply a liquid to any abnormal-looking areas. This is to help them show up more clearly on the screen. The doctor then takes a small sample of cells from any abnormal areas.
The sample (biopsy) is sent to a laboratory. A doctor who specialises in studying cells checks it for cancer cells. They are called a pathologist.
Your doctor will tell you when you are likely to get the results of the biopsy.
Lymph nodes
The specialist will examine the lymph node in your groin, as they are closest to the anus. If they are swollen, you may have further tests to check whether there is cancer in the lymph nodes.
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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].
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