Malignancies of the anal canal.

BACKGROUND

The carcinomas of the anal canal consist of truly rare clinical entities compared to the most common colorectal malignancies. Consequently, little have been reported on their natural history and course.

PURPOSE: The present study is aiming to describe the experience of our clinic with anal cancer and to clarify the incidence of the disease in the Hellenic population.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

A 5-year retrospective study was conducted. We searched all cases of patients, diagnosed with anal carcinoma in our medical center. Medical records and histological examination results were all thoroughly registered and evaluated.

RESULTS

On the whole, 60 patients were diagnosed with a malignant tumor of anal canal. Among them, 25 cases involved anal adenocarcinoma, 26 cases referred to a squamous cell carcinoma and in 5 cases, Bowen disease was identified. Two melanomas, one GIST stromal tumor and one case of Paget disease, were recognized as well.

CONCLUSIONS

It seems that in our center the frequency and prevalence of anal adenocarcinoma is increased compared to the results from international data. More studies involving larger series of patients are required in order to shed further light in the true incidence of anal cancer and it subtypes in Hellenic population.