Anal squamous cell carcinoma in the HIV-positive patient.
Epidermoid carcinoma of the anal canal is uncommon. The incidence of this disease has increased in HIV-positive men who have sex with men and the disease process is different from in HIV-negative patients. Modern therapy of HIV with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has improved the overall survival of HIV patients and allowed effective therapy for those who develop epidermoid carcinoma of the anal canal. This article describes the disease process and current treatment options.
Nagle
Deborah
D
Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA. dnagle@bidmc.harvard.edu