Anal Cancer and Sentinel Node Biopsy

Anal cancer is rare. Surgery was once first line treatment however chemoradiotherapy has now replaced this with radical surgery being reserved for less than 10% of patients. The incidence of anal cancer however is on the rise, suggesting that once again, surgery for this condition will become more frequent. With many types of anal cancer described and many being misdiagnosed as benign anal conditions by both specialists and primary care practitioners it is important to have an understanding of these conditions. This chapter will examine the epidemiology, diagnostic and treatment challenges and dilemmas that confront members of the multidisciplinary teams when treating these conditions.