If anal cancer spreads

Cancer cells can spread from the anus to other parts of the body. This spread is called metastasis.

Understanding how a type of cancer usually grows and spreads helps your healthcare team plan your treatment and future care. If anal cancer spreads, it can spread to the following:

• lymph nodes around the rectum, groin and pelvis
• rectum
• bladder
• urethra
• vagina or prostate
• liver
• lungs
• bone