How is anal cancer diagnosed?

Exam and biopsy: Anal cancer is diagnosed primarilly by physical examination. Sometimes it requires anesthesia, but most of the time can be done in the office. Any suspicious areas need to be biopsied.

Symptom of Anal ca: Anal cancer can start with symptoms similar to hemorrhoids like bleeding and pain with bowel movements. You might also feel a mass at the anal opening. Your doctor will need to take a biopsy of the area. Cancer can only be diagnosed by looking at the tissue under the microscope.