clinical features
Last reviewed 01/2018
Anal carcinoma mainly occurs in the elderly.
Initial symptoms are of anal pain and discomfort. Later, there may be discharge and bleeding. The symptoms are similar to those of haemorrhoids and are often ignored.
Enlarged groin lymph nodes indicates metastasis.
On examination, an anal squamous carcinoma may feel hard and woody due to invasion of perianal tissues.
Diagnosis is confirmed by proctoscopic biopsy.