Stage IIIA Cancer has spread to the lymph nodes around the rectum or to nearby organs such as the vagina or bladder. Stage IIIB Cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the middle of the abdomen or in the groin, or the cancer has spread to both nearby organs and the lymph nodes around the rectum. Stage IV Cancer has spread to distant lymph nodes within the abdomen or to organs in other parts of the body. It may come back in the anus or in another part of the body. There are treatments for all patients with anal cancer.
Surgery is a common way to diagnose and treat anal cancer.
This opening is called a colostomy. Although this operation was once commonly used for anal cancer, it is not used as much today because radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy is an equally effective treatment option but does not require a colostomy. If a patient has a colostomy, a special bag will need to be worn to collect body wastes. This bag, which sticks to the skin around the stoma with a special glue, can be thrown away after it is used. This bag does not show under clothing, and most people take care of these bags themselves.