Combined modality therapy in the treatment of epidermoid carcinoma of the anus at the Medical University of South Carolina
O'Brien, P.H.; Williams, M.R.; Jenrette, J.M.; Pitre, B.R.
Journal of the South Carolina Medical Association 89(7): 333-336
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0038-3139 PMID: 8412026 Document Number: 405939
Treatment of anal epidermoid carcinoma by radiation and chemotherapy does offer an excellent opportunity to maintain quality of life. No patient in this series suffered long-term complications; and all have maintained rectal, anal, and sexual function. Patients with early stage lesions (AJC I-II) are most amenable to anus conserving therapy for epidermoid cancer of the anus. The success rate is markedly diminished in patients having more advanced disease, with patients possessing AJC stage III and VI disease presenting major problems. The possibility of post operative radiation therapy is markedly compromised by preoperative radiation therapy. Clinical surveillance and early recognition of these lesions by primary physicians can now offer patients with lesser stage cancer of this type excellent opportunity for organ preservation therapy. For those patients presenting with Stage III and VI carcinoma of the anus the aforementioned problems should be addressed and discussed before initiating conservative therapy.