Anal adenocarcinoma: case report, literature review and comparative survival analysis

Abstract

Introduction Anal adenocarcinoma is a rare malignancy with a poor prognosis.Methods We present a case of rare anal adenocarcinoma in a patient with normal screening colonoscopy. Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Result database between 2000 and 2016, we performed survival analysis among individuals>20 years old comparing anal and rectal cancers.Results Survival analysis showed that anal adenocarcinoma is associated with worse outcomes compared with rectal adenocarcinoma and anal squamous cell carcinoma.Discussion This case and survival data illustrate the importance of prompt investigation of symptoms irrespective of colorectal cancer screening status with careful attention to examination of the anal area.