Squamous-cell carcinoma of the anus.

Twenty-nine patients treated for squamous-cell carcinoma of the anus were studied. Fifteen patients (52%) died from recurrent disease within 3 years of treatment, including patients treated palliatively only. Among 24 patients treated curatively 19 had an abdominoperineal resection. Ten of these patients were alive without recurrence 3-11 years after the operation. Of 5 patients treated with local excision, 4 were alive without recurrence at follow-up 3-6 years later. The prognosis and the type of treatment in relation to the location of the tumour-in the anal canal or at the anal margin-are discussed.