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Epidermoid carcinoma of the anal canal

Bruce W Robb1, Matthew G Mutch

  • 1Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110-1010, USA.

Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery
|December 17, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Anal cancers, primarily squamous cell, are rare but advancing in understanding and treatment. Radiochemotherapy is now first-line, shifting surgery to a salvage role for treatment failures.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Anal cancers are rare, predominantly squamous cell carcinomas.
  • Demographics are shifting due to human papillomavirus (HPV), HIV, and immunosuppression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding and treatment of anal cancers.
  • To highlight the changing epidemiology and treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of anal cancer research.
  • Analysis of epidemiological trends and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are key factors in changing demographics.
  • Nonoperative treatment strategies, particularly radiochemotherapy, are now standard first-line care.

Conclusions:

  • Radiochemotherapy has replaced surgery as the primary treatment for anal cancer.
  • Surgery is now reserved for salvage therapy in cases of treatment failure.
Keywords:
Epidermoid canceranal canalsquamous cancer

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