However, anal itching is more likely due to a benign or non-life-threatening condition.
Some common conditions include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and contact dermatitis.
Even so, differentiating the causes of anal itching can be difficult.
Hero Images / Getty Images
Cancer
Cancer in the anus or rectum can cause anal itching.
The anusis the tube between the rectum and the outside of the body.
Made of skin-like tissue, anal cancer is squamous cancer.
Most anal cancers are triggered by human papillomavirus (HPV).
Rectal cancer does not cause anal itching.
However, squamous anal cancer can spread to the rectum.
Straining during childbirth can also cause anal fissures.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoidsare one of the most common causes of anal itching.
The rash isn’t contagious but can cause significant itching and discomfort.
Infections
Any localized infection in the rectum can cause itching.
This includes STDs that are transmitted during anal sex.Anal wartscaused byhuman papillomavirus (HPV)are another possible cause.
Anal or rectal thrush (candidiasis) is a fungal cause typically associated with a weakened immune system.
Persistent, severe, or worsening anal itching should always warrant a visit to your healthcare provider.
But whenever the itchiness persists, you should pay attention.
While anal cancer is one of the least likely causes of pruritus ani, it is still a possibility.
Don’t let embarrassment or the fear of cancer prevent you from getting it looked at.
In the end, cancer is not diagnosed by symptoms alone.
Only certain testsmost specifically abiopsycan determine whether you have the disease or not.
Even if you do, early diagnosis and treatment almost invariably lead to better outcomes.
National Cancer Institute.Anal cancer treatment (PDQ) patient version.
Recio-Boiles A, Kashyap S, Tsoris A, Babiker HM.Rectal cancer.
In:StatPearls [Internet].
Serban ED.Perianal infectious dermatitis: an underdiagnosed, unremitting and stubborn condition.World J Clin Pediatr.
2016;29(1):38-42. doi:10.1055/s-0035-1570391
