Current management of carcinoma of the anus and perianus

Abstract

Malignant lesions of the anus and perianus account for 2.4% of malignant cancers of the colon, rectum, and anus. Based on our experience with 56 patients as well as a review of the recent literature, the following recommendations are made: Bowen's disease, Paget's extramammary disease, basal cell, and perianal epidermoid carcinomas arise in the perianus, rarely metastasize, and may be managed by wide local excision. Cloacogenic transitional cell (basaloid squamous carcinoma) and the more common epidermoid anal canal tumors require abdominoperineal resection with wide perineal excision. Therapeutic groin dissection is indicated if the inguinal nodes are or become the site of metastases, but prophylactic groin dissection is not indicated. The five-year survival for epidermoid carcinoma of anus treated by abdominoperineal resection ranges from 40 to 58%. Improvement in survival rate will require early recognition by the patient and early diagnosis and treatment by the physician. Delay in diagnosis occurs because cancer is not considered frequently enough as a possible cause for the patient's symptoms.