Anal cancer can be found in two parts of the anus. Cancer can grow in the anal canal, which is about one and a half inches long. The anal canal then connects to the anal verge which is where the anal canal connects with the outer skin of the anus. Below the anal verge is called the anal margin or the perennial skin, which is the skin that is around anal verge. Cancer cells can grow in the anal margin, as well. Specialists treat cancer growth in the anal canal differently than cancer growth in the anal margin.

While anal cancer is not as common as other cancers, it is common to develop benign, or non-cancerous tumors in the anus. These can include warts, polyps, skin tags, and other non-threatening tumors. Having a doctor check them out is the safest way to ensure these tumors do not turn into cancer cells.

Furthermore, if symptoms such as anal bleeding, lumps, pain, or discharge from the anus, these may be signs of anal cancer. It is best to get them checked out right away. If cancer is present in the anus, specialists will be able to begin treating the cancer right away.