Surgical treatment of carcinoma of the anus

We studied 37 cases of carcinoma of the anus treated from 1950 to 1977, reviewing preexisting anorectal disorders, presenting symptoms, anatomic location, and histologic classification. There was a fivefold female-to-male predominance. Most patients presented in the seventh decade of life and exhibited alarming delays in seeking professional care. The crude five-year survival rate for all patients was 64%. Synchronous inguinal node metastasis is a poor prognostic sign, but some patients achieved excellent survival statistics after groin dissection. Guidelines for surgical management are presented.