Abstract
Small-cell carcinoma affecting the anal canal is an extremely rare and aggressive tumor. The majority of cases are found with distant metastases at the time of diagnosis. We present a case of a 53-year-old male, who was diagnosed with this rare malignancy. Despite aggressive treatment consisting of radio-chemotherapy, the disease progressed rapidly with metastases occurring 12 months following the initial diagnosis. In summary, final diagnosis requires careful histological and immunohistochemical examination to determine the therapeutic strategy to be followed. Chemotherapy remains the mainstay of treatment for small-cell carcinoma of the anus. Radiotherapy exerts additional activity and remains a prime choice to gain local control. In this report we aim to describe the clinical, pathological features of this rare entity, and to discuss therapeutic options.
Résumé
Le carcinome à petites cellules du canal anal est une tumeur extrêmement rare et agressive à la fois, souvent diagnostiquée au stade métastatique. On rapporte l’observation d’un patient âgé de 53 ans, chez qui le diagnostic de carcinome à petites cellules du canal anal a été confirmé. Malgré une thérapeutique agressive, faite de radiochimiothérapie, l’évolution de la maladie a été fatale, avec métastases et décès du patient 12 mois plus tard. En conclusion, une étude histopathologique minutieuse associée au complément immunohistochimique sont indispensables pour le diagnostic final. En effet, la chimiothérapie constitue le principal traitement. En revanche, la radiothérapie est le traitement de choix pour le contrôle local de cette tumeur.
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Khmou, M., Zouaidia, F., Ouazzani, H. et al. Small-cell carcinoma of the anal canal : Case report of a rare tumor. J Afr Cancer 6, 186–188 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12558-014-0333-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12558-014-0333-x