Number stages of anal cancer
Anal cancer can start in different cell types. This information is for which is the most common type of anal cancer.
Find out more about anal cancer that starts in different cell types
The stage of a cancer tells the doctor about its size and whether it has spread. It helps your doctor decide on which treatment you need.
There are 4 number stages of anal cancer numbered 1 to 4. Stage 2 anal cancer is split into 2A and 2B depending on the size of the cancer.
Doctors also use another staging system for anal cancer. They call this the TNM staging system. It stands for tumour, node and metastasis:
T describes the size of the tumour
N describes whether there are any cancer cells in the nearby lymph nodes
M describes whether the cancer has spread elsewhere in the body
The TNM system describes the cancer in detail. The number staging system puts these details together to give an overall stage.
This means that the cancer is larger than 2cm but no bigger than 5cm. It hasn't spread to any nearby tissues, or organs. And it hasn't spread further away in the body.
Number stage 2A is the same as T2, N0, M0 in the TNM staging system.
This means the cancer is larger than 5cm. It hasn't spread to any nearby tissues, lymph nodes or organs. And it hasn't spread further away in the body.
Number stage 2B is the same as T3, N0, M0 in the TNM staging system.
Knowing the stage of the cancer helps your doctor decide which treatment is best for you. Treatment can also depend on:
where the cancer is in your anus
your general health
The main treatment for stage 2 anal cancer is chemoradiotherapy. This means you have both:
chemotherapy
radiotherapy
Chemotherapy uses anti cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells. These drugs are also called cytotoxic drugs. They circulate throughout the body in the bloodstream. Radiotherapy uses high energy waves similar to x-rays to kill cancer cells.
When you have finished your treatment, your doctor will check that the cancer has completely gone.
Unfortunately, chemoradiotherapy isn't suitable for everyone. Your doctor will talk to you about other options if they feel it isn't the best treatment for you.
Read more about chemoradiotherapy for anal cancer
If your doctor thinks there is any cancer left after chemoradiotherapy, they take a sample of tissue (biopsy) from the area. If this contains cancer cells, they will talk to you about further treatment. This may include a large operation called an abdominoperineal resection (APR). Your surgeon and will make sure you are well enough to have this surgery.
Read more about surgery for anal cancer
Last reviewed: 08 May 2025
Next review due: 08 May 2028
Anal cancer is when abnormal cells in the anus divide in an uncontrolled way. It can start in different parts of the anus and different types of cell.
If you have symptoms of anal cancer you should see your GP. They might ask you to have some tests and may refer you to a specialist.
Chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy is called chemoradiotherapy. It is the most common treatment for anal cancer that hasn't spread to other parts of your body.
You may need surgery if anal cancer comes back. Or hasn't all gone after chemoradiotherapy. Some people have surgery as the main treatment for stage 1 cancer in the anal margin.
Survival for anal cancer depends on different factors. Because this cancer is rare, survival is harder to estimate than for more common cancers.
Anal cancer is cancer that starts in the anus. The anus is also called the anal canal.
About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education
Search our clinical trials database for all cancer trials and studies recruiting in the UK.
Connect with other people affected by cancer and share your experiences.
Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.
