Anal Canal Cancer Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology

Abstract

An estimated 3,990 new cases of anal cancer will occur in 2005, accounting for approximately 1.6% of digestive system cancers in the United States. Prognosis directly depends on the size of the primary tumor and the likelihood of lymphatic spread, with tumors 2 cm or smaller cured in 80% of cases. The NCCN guidelines recommend a thorough evaluation for any patient with a suspicious lesion in the anal canal and include additional recommendations for diagnosis, treatment, and follow up for anal canal cancer. For the most recent version of the guidelines, please visit NCCN.org