Anal carcinoma

Abstract

Twenty-nine patients with anal cancer presented to Glasgow Royal Infirmary over a 6-year period. This represented 3.2% of all patients with cancers of the colon, rectum and anus. 3 of 22 patients with an anal canal tumour survived 4 years. Tumour invasion of either inguinal or mesenteric lymph nodes was associated with early recurrence and death. The survival rate after abdominoperineal resection was superior to that after local excision alone. Tumours of the anal margin had a better prognosis. To date there have been no deaths following local excision alone.