Epidermoid cancers of the anus. Changes in therapeutic ideas

Under this term, the authors discuss cancers of the anal canal. Cancers of the edge of the anus are skin cancers whose treatment will not be discussed here. Cancers of the anal canal are rare and are much more frequently found in women than in men. They are more or less differentiated epidermoid cancers. The therapeutic problems raised: cure a cancer with a loco-regional evolution beginning in the mucous lining of the anal canal and able to spread throughout the pelvic cavity; treatment should be total (on the tumor and ganglia) and conservative; treatment should avoid major complications such as necroses, fistulas, incontinence; it will often be carried out in elderly patients in poor general condition, poorly supporting lengthy treatments, hospitalization and anaesthesia. The therapeutic possibilities; two major therapeutic techniques possible, radiotherapy and surgery.