Anal cancer is a heterogeneous and rare disease process that accounts for ∼1.5% of
all gastrointestinal tract malignancies. The perianal skin plays host to a variety
of different premalignant and malignant lesions, all with variable histology, treatment
options, and prognosis. Anal cancers in general are notorious for having a delayed
or missed diagnosis leading to treatment delays and may have an impact on survival.
This delay is in part due to the nonspecific symptomatology and also improper physical
examination of the sensitive and anatomically complex perianal region and anal canal.
This article examines the various types of perianal cancers and their precursor lesions
and will explore treatment options as well as outcomes and prognosis.
Keywords
perianal cancers - squamous cell carcinoma - basal cell carcinoma - extramammary Paget's
disease - anal adenocarcinoma - Buschke–Löwenstein tumor - verrucous carcinoma - mycosis
fungoides
