Overview
HIV-related anal cancer, also sometimes called AIDS-related anal cancer or HIV-associated anal squamous cell carcinoma, is a type of cancer that develops in the tissues of the anus (the opening at the end of the digestive tract) in people living with HIV. This condition is listed as 'obsolete' in some medical classification systems because it is now understood as a specific presentation of anal cancer rather than a fully separate disease — but it remains a very real and serious health concern for people with HIV. HIV weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections like human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the main cause of anal cancer. Because people with HIV have a less effective immune system, HPV infections are more likely to lead to abnormal cell changes in the anal lining, which can eventually become cancer. Men who have sex with men and people with HIV are at significantly higher risk. Common symptoms include bleeding from the rectum, pain or pressure around the anus, a lump or mass near the anal area, changes in bowel habits, and itching or discharge. Treatment typically involves a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy (called chemoradiation), and sometimes surgery. With modern HIV treatment (antiretroviral therapy) keeping the immune system stronger, outcomes have improved, but anal cancer remains one of the most common HIV-related cancers today.
Key symptoms:
Bleeding from the rectum or anusPain or discomfort around the anusA lump, bump, or mass near the anal openingItching around the anus that does not go awayUnusual discharge from the anusChanges in bowel habits, such as narrower stoolsFeeling like the bowel is not fully empty after going to the bathroomSwollen lymph nodes in the groin areaPressure or fullness in the rectal areaUnintentional weight loss
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for OBSOLETE: HIV-related anal cancer.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for OBSOLETE: HIV-related anal cancer at this time.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: HIV-related anal cancer.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to OBSOLETE: HIV-related anal cancer.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What stage is my anal cancer, and what does that mean for my treatment options?,Should I change or adjust my HIV medications during cancer treatment?,What are the expected side effects of chemoradiation, and how can we manage them?,Am I a candidate for immunotherapy, and would it help in my situation?,How often will I need follow-up scans and exams after treatment?,Should my close contacts or family members get the HPV vaccine?,Are there clinical trials I should consider for my situation?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: HIV-related anal cancer
What is OBSOLETE: HIV-related anal cancer?
HIV-related anal cancer, also sometimes called AIDS-related anal cancer or HIV-associated anal squamous cell carcinoma, is a type of cancer that develops in the tissues of the anus (the opening at the end of the digestive tract) in people living with HIV. This condition is listed as 'obsolete' in some medical classification systems because it is now understood as a specific presentation of anal cancer rather than a fully separate disease — but it remains a very real and serious health concern for people with HIV. HIV weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infect
How is OBSOLETE: HIV-related anal cancer inherited?
OBSOLETE: HIV-related anal cancer follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does OBSOLETE: HIV-related anal cancer typically begin?
Typical onset of OBSOLETE: HIV-related anal cancer is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.