Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2018; 31(06): 353-360
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1668105
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

So Now My Patient Has Squamous Cell Cancer: Diagnosis, Staging, and Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anal Canal and Anal Margin

Cindy Kin
1   Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
02 November 2018 (online)

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Abstract

Squamous cell carcinomas of the anal canal and the anal margin are rare malignancies that are increasing in incidence. Patients with these tumors often experience delayed treatment due to delay in diagnosis or misdiagnosis of the condition. Distinguishing between anal canal and anal margin tumors has implications for staging and treatment. Chemoradiation therapy is the mainstay of treatment for anal canal squamous cell, with abdominoperineal resection reserved for salvage treatment in cases of persistent or recurrent disease. Early anal margin squamous cell carcinoma can be treated with wide local excision, but more advanced tumors require a combination of chemoradiation therapy and surgical excision.