Treatment of Non-squamous Histologies in Anal Cancer

Abstract

Most anal canal cancers are of squamous histology; however, practitioners will occasionally encounter the non-squamous histologies such as melanoma, large-cell neuroendocrine tumors, classic small-cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma. Each of these tumors has a unique natural history and distinct response to therapy. So while the treatment approach requires familiar combinations of surgical, systemic, and radiation therapy techniques, this chapter highlights the similarities and differences between these tumors and provides a rational and evidence-based treatment approach.