Colon cancer and anal cancer might sound, at first, like they are nearly identical; however, these diseases have totally different causes, presentation, and symptoms. Simply put, anal cancer and colon cancer are as different as skin cancer and cervical cancer. In fact, the anus is structurally different tissue than that of the colon; this is only where the distinctions begin.
Colon Cancer vs. Anal Cancer
Unlike the difference between colon and rectal cancer— which is minimal due to the colon and rectum having the same kinds of tissue— anal cancer is fundamentally different in more ways than most people think. The distinction arises from one simple anatomical difference: tissue types from which a cancerous cell develops.
The Location of Lumps
Anal cancer may present with lumps that the patient can feel and palpate; colon cancer (also known as colorectal cancer) will not have lumps that are noticeable to the patient. Anal cancer is usually more apparent in its physicality, while colorectal cancer is more silent in its signs and symptoms.
The Underlying Cause
Colon cancer results from normal cell mutations that are left unchecked by a compromised or weakened immune system; colorectal cancer does not have any link to other diseases that we know of and is not transmissible. Anal cancer, on the other hand, is directly linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV); in fact, more than 90% of anal cancer is caused by HPV. There are vaccines available to help your body fight off HPV infections, but they won’t be helpful if you’ve already started to develop anal cancer.
Those Who Are at Risk
Risk increases with age for colon cancer, as our bodies naturally start to become less able to detect and destroy mutated cells. Smoking has been linked to both colon and anal cancers, while excessive alcohol consumption will likely increase your risk for developing colorectal cancer. Additionally, as mentioned above, most anal cancer presentations develop from an HPV infection; if you receive anal intercourse from someone infected with HPV, your risk for developing anal cancer dramatically increases.
Prevention Methods
Since anal cancer mainly arises from HPV infections, it is recommended that individuals know their STD status and use protection during intercourse. Certain strains of HPV can also lead to cervical cancer, throat cancer, and mouth cancer. Unlike anal cancer, colorectal cancer prevention includes the cessation of smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and having regular colonoscopies over the age of 45.
Mortality Rates
Anal cancer itself is far less common than colon or colorectal cancer; however, the difference in mortality is staggering. According to TheBody.com, “Colon cancer... was the... third most fatal form of cancer (more than 56,000 deaths) in the U.S. as of 1999. In contrast, approximately 500 deaths were attributed to anal cancer in the same year.” Since anal cancer and colorectal cancer can both metastasize to surrounding tissue, the potential for mortality is similar.
Above all, knowing the symptoms, your risk factors, and your family history can help you be prepared. If you suspect that you might have anal or colon cancer, reach out to one of our colorectal specialists here at the Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay.