Lab Results

Some of the Most Advanced Surgeries for the Treatment of Anal Cancer

Cancer that begins in the anus, or the opening where the intestine ends outside the body, is called anal cancer. Most cases of anal cancer are treated only with chemotherapy and radiation therapy, but some may require surgery. It takes experienced surgeons to perform what are very delicate surgeries to this area. The colon and rectal surgeons at AdventHealth Digestive Institute, can offer sphincter-sparing surgery, helping patients avoid the need for colostomy.

The anal canal is about an inch-and-a-half long. Many other benign and precancerous growths can be present in the anal canal, including skin tags, benign tumors, polyps and anal warts. A large majority of anal cancers are squamous cell carcinoma. Squamous cell anal cancers are almost always linked to a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Being a smoker or having a weakened immune system are also risk factors for anal cancer.

Anal Cancer Symptoms

The first symptom of anal cancer is often bleeding, but this symptom can also be caused by a more common condition such as hemorrhoids.

Besides bleeding, other symptoms of anal cancer include:

  • A lump on the anus
  • Pain, itching and/or a feeling of fullness at the anus
  • Narrow stools or other bowel movement changes
  • Unusual anal discharge
  • Swollen anal and/or groin lymph nodes

Even though these symptoms can be caused by other conditions, it is important that you see your doctor if you experience them.

Diagnosis of Anal Cancer

Some people who are at high risk for anal cancer receive routine screening for it through digital rectal and anal Pap tests. Anal cancers detected through screening are usually found in earlier stages, when they are easier to treat. However, most often anal cancer is diagnosed after a patient has experienced symptoms.

If your doctor thinks you could have anal cancer after doing a digital rectal exam, then you will likely have the following tests:

  • An endoscopic procedure such as an anoscopy. Our colorectal surgeons are regional leaders in high resolution anoscopy (HRA), which allows them to view, biopsy and, in some cases, treat anal cancer.
  • Biopsy. During the high resolution anoscopy, a portion of the suspicious area will be removed so that a pathologist can look at the cell samples under a microscope to confirm that it is cancer.
  • Other imaging tests may be used to look at other parts of the body if the biopsy shows cancer is present. These imaging tests reveal if anal cancer may have spread elsewhere.

Surgery for Anal Cancer at AdventHealth Digestive Institute

Most cases of anal cancer are treated solely with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However if surgery is determined to be the right approach, the exact treatment procedure used will be based on the size, location and stage of the cancer.


Surgical Cancer Care

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  • Esophageal Cancer

    Typically esophageal cancer requires surgery in addition to radiation and chemotherapy. Learn more about the surgical treatments our specialists can provide.

  • Gastric/Stomach Cancer

    We help diagnose and treat stomach cancer. We even have minimally invasive options. Learn more about how our gastroenterologists can help you.

  • Duodenal/Small Bowel Cancer

    Our gastroenterologists diagnose and treat small bowel and duodenal cancer. We offer three minimally invasive treatment options.

  • Pancreatic Cancer

    Our surgeons are among the region’s most experienced in pancreatic surgery. We can help treat your cancer with minimally invasive options. Learn more today.

  • Liver Cancer

    Our AdventHealth Digestive Institute surgeons offer surgical and non-surgical liver cancer treatments, depending on your specific case. Schedule an appointment with one of our gastroenterologists.

  • Gallbladder Cancer

    Removing the gallbladder with cancer is a very complex surgery that requires highly experienced surgeons like those at AdventHealth Digestive Institute.

  • Colon and Rectal Cancer

    Our experienced gastroenterologists can diagnose and treat colon and rectal cancer. Learn more about treatment and surgery options.

  • Anal Cancer

    Our colon and rectal surgeons can help diagnose and treat anal cancer. We offer anal cancer surgery when necessary.

  • Public Reporting of Outcomes

    Our compassionate medical staff is committed to providing high-quality healthcare services in Hillsborough County.

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Recover Faster With Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery

All the surgeons at the Digestive Health Institute (DHI) have a large depth of experience in offering minimally invasive surgery.

Meet the Experts

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Surgical Consultations For Digestive Cancer Without The Wait

Appointments Within Five Days for Patients with Cancer

At AdventHealth Digestive Institute, we know that after being diagnosed with cancer, patients want and often need to begin treatment quickly. So we make it a priority to offer appointments for cancer surgery consultations within five business days, and often earlier.

Patients who are newly diagnosed with cancer, or have just found out they have cancer again, qualify for this priority access. Our surgeons will make themselves available to see you right away, even for a second opinion. We want to help you start your treatment as soon as possible.

News and Info

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