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

Expert review and references

  • Ahmed S, Eng C, Messick CA. Squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal. Yalcin S, Phillip PA (eds.). Textbook of Gastrointestinal Oncology. Springer Nature Switzerland; 2019: 10:171–180.
  • MacMillan Cancer Support. Understanding Anal Cancer. 2020: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/.
  • PDQ Adult Treatment Editorial Board. Anal Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) – Health Professional Version. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute; 2022: https://www.cancer.gov/.

Medical disclaimer

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