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Squamous carcinoma of the anus is relatively rare. It is often found as an
incidental finding during haemorrhoidectomy, in which case it is quite early and
the prognosis is favourable.
Viral infection with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a known associated infection
which can predispose to anal cancer. This is the virus of the genital warts and
there is often, but not always, a history of genital warts or unprotected anal
intercourse on patients with anal cancer.
Other factors that predispose are chronic inflammation of the perianal area
such as chronic fistulas, radiotherapy, infection with Chlamydia
(Lymphogranuloma Venereum) etc.
Anal cancer can present as a vegetating growth resembling a wart or as a hard
painful area in the perineum. There can be a feeling of tenesmus (constant
urgency to defaecate), rectal bleeding or pain. Often the perianal area is too
tender to be able to examine and an examination under anaesthetic (EUA) and
biopsies are required.
Like most squamous carcinomas anal cancer is sensitive to radiotherapy and
chemotherapy. A combination of radiotherapty and chemotherapy is the first line
treatment of choice. Surgery is not always necessary. Although the majority of
anal cancers respond to this treatment some of them do not respond or recur
after an initial response.
In that case radical surgery can be curative. The operation performed is
abdomino- perineal resection of the rectum with removal of the anus and
permanent colostomy.
Anal cancer has a relatively good outcome in most cases with the 5 year
survival around 70%.
incidental finding during haemorrhoidectomy, in which case it is quite early and
the prognosis is favourable.
Viral infection with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a known associated infection
which can predispose to anal cancer. This is the virus of the genital warts and
there is often, but not always, a history of genital warts or unprotected anal
intercourse on patients with anal cancer.
Other factors that predispose are chronic inflammation of the perianal area
such as chronic fistulas, radiotherapy, infection with Chlamydia
(Lymphogranuloma Venereum) etc.
Anal cancer can present as a vegetating growth resembling a wart or as a hard
painful area in the perineum. There can be a feeling of tenesmus (constant
urgency to defaecate), rectal bleeding or pain. Often the perianal area is too
tender to be able to examine and an examination under anaesthetic (EUA) and
biopsies are required.
Like most squamous carcinomas anal cancer is sensitive to radiotherapy and
chemotherapy. A combination of radiotherapty and chemotherapy is the first line
treatment of choice. Surgery is not always necessary. Although the majority of
anal cancers respond to this treatment some of them do not respond or recur
after an initial response.
In that case radical surgery can be curative. The operation performed is
abdomino- perineal resection of the rectum with removal of the anus and
permanent colostomy.
Anal cancer has a relatively good outcome in most cases with the 5 year
survival around 70%.
Cancer of the anus