Anal canal adenocarcinoma locally treated with abdominoperineal resection after chemoradiotherapy: case report and review of literature

Background: Primary adenocarcinoma of the anal canal is rare, representing less than 20% of anal canal cancers. Given the limited data regarding treatment and outcomes, the management of this type of cancer is focused on a combined modality therapy involving radical surgery and neoadjuvant/adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Case study: A 74-year-old woman presented with pruritus and anal pain with 6 months duration. MRI showed a semi-concentric mass in anal canal posterior wall. After an incisional biopsy that revealed an adenocarcinoma, the patient underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection. Conclusion: There is limited research into anal adenocarcinoma since the rarity of this condition. The prognosis of anal adenocarcinoma is poor and the management remains controversial. Therapy strategies are not well established, however, general agreement states that a combined multimodality (combination of radical surgical resection and pre or postoperative chemoradiotherapy) achieves the best outcome