Anal cancer begins in the anus or anal canal, the short passage from the final part of the large intestine to the outside of the body.
The rectum is the final part of the large intestine. The anal canal is the short passage connecting the rectum to the outside of the body. Anal cancer begins in tissue of the anus or this canal.
Anal cancer and rectal cancer begin in different places. The name “anal cancer” identifies the general starting area but does not show the exact tumor type or stage, which describes how far the cancer has grown or spread.

BaluMed makes medicine understandable! Our extensive medical report explanation 'translates' complex medical terms from MRI findings and discharge summaries into easily understandable language. With a combination of artificial intelligence and medical expertise, we offer quickly available and reliable information.