Tests for anal cancer
Your GP or specialist might arrange for you to have tests. They may arrange one or more of these tests.
You usually have an examination of your anus, a biopsy, blood tests and a CT scan to diagnose anal cancer. You may also have some of these tests during treatment for anal cancer.
Examination of your back passage
An examination of your back passage (rectum) involves your doctor feeling inside your rectum using their finger.
Anal examination and biopsy
A specialist will examine your anus and the area around it. This test is also called an anoscopy or proctoscopy.
Blood tests for anal cancer
Blood tests can check your general health, including how well your liver and kidneys are working.
CT scan for anal cancer
A CT scan is a test that uses x-rays and a computer to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body. It takes pictures from different angles.
MRI scan for anal cancer
MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. It uses magnetism and radio waves to create cross sectional pictures of the body.
PET-CT scan for anal cancer
A PET-CT scan combines a CT scan and a PET scan into one. It can show where your anal cancer is and whether it has spread.
Ultrasound of the anus
An ultrasound scan is a procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to create a picture of a part of the inside of your body. They can show up changes, including abnormal growths.
Fine needle aspiration of lymph nodes for anal cancer
Your doctor might use a thin needle to take a sample of cells from the lymph nodes at the top of your legs. This is called a fine needle aspiration.
