Could You Have Anal Cancer? 10 Symptoms to Watch Out For

7. Mass or Growth in the Anal Opening

Any lump or swelling in the anal area may indicate a growth that requires further medical evaluation. Small growths called polyps can develop in the rectal area, but they rarely turn cancerous. Anal cancer forms when healthy cells mutate and become abnormal ones. Cancerous cells continue to grow abnormally and form a tumor near the anus. Anal cancer rarely spreads to other parts of the body; if it does, the liver, bones, and lungs are the most common sites.