Search 33,000+ CME courses
Back

StatPearls, LLC

  • Anus Neoplasms
  • Carcinoma
  • Papillomavirus Infections
  • Proctoscopy
  • Vaccination

Anal Carcinoma

Anal carcinoma is a rare but increasingly prevalent malignancy, with incidence rates rising approximately 2.7% annually over the past decade. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) accounts for roughly 85% of cases. Although relatively uncommon compared to other malignancies, anal carcinoma has a notable prevalence, particularly among individuals with specific risk factors. High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, particularly types 16 and 18, is the most significant risk factor, with other contributing factors including HIV infection, immunosuppression, smoking, sexual behavior, and older age. Anal carcinoma most commonly presents with rectal bleeding, anal pain, alterations in bowel habits, or a palpable mass. Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment require a detailed understanding of anal anatomy and lymphatic drainage. Early detection is essential for improving prognostic outcomes, and while comprehensive clinical evaluation and imaging play a crucial role, anoscopy with biopsy remains the definitive diagnostic modality for histopathological confirmation. Treatment strategies primarily involve surgical resection, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. This course explores the complexities surrounding anal carcinoma, including the updated diagnostic guidelines, staging criteria based on tumor extent, nodal involvement, and metastases, and posttreatment surveillance. Preventive strategies, especially HPV vaccination, are also a crucial component of anal cancer management to reduce disease incidence. This activity for healthcare professionals is designed to enhance the learner’s competence in identifying anal carcinoma, performing the recommended evaluation, and implementing an appropriate interprofessional approach when managing this condition.

Credit & MOC Details

Credit information is provided by the course provider. We recommend confirming credit eligibility with the provider or your licensing board before starting the activity.

Credit types

IPCE CreditsUp to 2 creditsAAPA Category 1 Credit™Up to 2 creditsAMA PRA Category 1 Credit™Up to 2 creditsNursingUp to 2 creditsPharmacyUp to 2 credits

MOC types

ABS — Accredited CMEUp to 2 pointsABPATH — Lifelong LearningUp to 2 pointsABA — Lifelong LearningUp to 2 pointsABPMR — Accredited CMEUp to 2 pointsABTS — Accredited CMEUp to 2 pointsABIM — Medical KnowledgeUp to 2 pointsABS — Self-AssessmentUp to 2 pointsABP — Lifelong Learning and Self-AssessmentUp to 2 pointsABPMR — Self-AssessmentUp to 2 pointsABTS — Self-AssessmentUp to 2 points

FDA REMS

No

Qualifies for MIPS

No

Target Specialties

Cross-Specialty

Relevant across 8 specialties.

Pricing

Fee varies

This provider typically $49–98

See fees on statpearls.com

Listed by the provider

  • Article / monograph / reference
  • Credit · Up to 2 credits
  • MOC · Up to 2 points
  • Fee varies · this provider typically $49–98
  • Released
    Sep 1, 2026
  • Last day to claim credit
    Sep 1, 2029 3 years left

Related courses

See all

Other providers’ courses on the same topic

More from StatPearls, LLC

See all

This provider’s courses closest to this one