ABSTRACT
Epidermoid carcinoma of the anal canal is an uncommon disease, but has increased in
incidence with the HIV epidemic. Prior to the 1970s, treatment consisted of radical
surgery with abdominoperineal resection. With the pioneering work of Dr. Norman Nigro,
this has shifted to a nonsurgical approach, with primary treatment consisting of multimodality
therapy with radiation and chemotherapy. This review provides an overview of the historical,
current, and future treatments of epidermoid anal canal malignancies.
KEYWORDS
Anal canal malignancy - epidermoid carcinoma - chemoradiation - Nigro protocol
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Amir L BastawrousM.D.
Stroger Hospital of Cook County, Cook County Admin. Bldg.
1900 W. Polk St., #401, Chicago, IL 60612-3736
Email: bastawro@uic.edu