Local treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the anus.

Selected patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the anus can be treated by local excision with excellent results. The results of local and radical excision cannot be compared because patients must be selected for local excision. Lesions included in this study varied widely in regard to the site, size and degree of differentiation. The size of the lesion should not preclude the consideration of local excision, as a skin graft can be used to cover the area excised. Close observation and examination for short intervals of time to detect a recurrent lesion are mandatory, especially in the early postoperative period. Rectal digital examination can help in identifying metastases to the presacral lymph nodes, indicating the need for radical treatment.