Number stages of anal cancer

AIN means abnormal cells in the anus lining. Doctors give it a grade to describe the risk of it developing into cancer.

Stage 1 anal cancer means that the cancer is less than 2cm in size and hasn't spread to any nearby tissue, lymph nodes or other organs.

Stage 2 anal cancer means the cancer is bigger than 2 cm and hasn't spread to any nearby tissue, lymph nodes or other organs. It is split into 2A and 2B.

Stage 3 anal cancer means the cancer has spread to nearby tissue or lymph nodes. It is split into 3A, 3B and 3C.

Stage 4 anal cancer means it has spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver. It is also called advanced anal cancer.