Number stages of anal cancer
The number staging system uses the TNM system to divide cancers into stages. Most types of cancer have 4 stages, numbered from 1 to 4.
Anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN)
Anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) means there are abnormal cells in the lining of the anus. It is not cancer but can sometimes develop into cancer.
Stage 1 anal 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
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
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
Stage 4 anal cancer means the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver. It is also called advanced anal cancer.
