title: Diagnosis and Diagnostic Imaging of Anal Canal Cancer.
abstract: Anal canal cancer is an uncommon malignancy but one that is often curable with optimal therapy. Owing to its unique location, histology, risk factors, and usual presentation, a careful diagnostic approach is warranted. This approach includes an excellent history and physical examination, including digital rectal examination, laboratory data, and comprehensive imaging. Anal cancer staging and formulation of a treatment plan depends on accurate imaging data. Modern radiographic techniques have improved staging quality and accuracy, and a thorough knowledge of anal anatomy is paramount to the optimal multidisciplinary treatment of this disease.
authors.affiliation: Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, A445A Starling Loving Hall, 320 West 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. Electronic address: Kristen.ciombor@osumc.edu.
authors.forename: Kristen K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Ciombor
authors.affiliation: Division of Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Unit 1473, PO Box 301402, Houston, TX 77230-1402, USA.
authors.forename: Randy D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Ernst
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and Imperial College London, Downs Road, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5PT, UK.
authors.forename: Gina
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Brown
mesh_terms: D001003:Anal Canal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D001005:Anus Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D019160:Endosonography / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
keywords: 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography; Anal canal cancer; Anoscopy; Endoanal ultrasound; Magnetic resonance imaging