[Epidermoid cancer of the anus]

Anal cancer is a rare neoplasm: 1 anal cancer for 100 colorectal cancers. The development of anal cancer is associated with infection by human papillomavirus, which is usually sexually transmitted. Determination of tumour stage is important for planning optimal therapy and for predicting prognosis accurately. Initial work-up is primarily clinical with additional information from abdominal and transanorectal ultrasonography, and chest radiography. A classification mixing TNM (Tumour, Nodes, Metastasis) and ultrasonographic examination of the extension in depth allows to make a therapeutic decision and to follow it up. Conservative treatment is almost always possible. Concomitant external beam radiation therapy and chemotherapy are the standard to combination treatment. Surgical treatment remains indicated in rare cases.