Anal Cancer Surgery

Anal surgery may be recommended for some patients with anal cancer, but it is not typically the first treatment for anal squamous cell carcinoma. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the primary forms of treatment for most patients. Surgery is generally considered when cancer does not fully respond to chemoradiation or returns after treatment.

Because surgery is usually reserved for specific situations, patients should be evaluated by an experienced multidisciplinary cancer team to understand the most appropriate treatment options.

Patients can receive highly individualized cancer treatment, including the latest techniques in anal cancer surgery, at Moffitt Cancer Center. Our world-class Gastrointestinal Oncology Program offers the most advanced treatments available anywhere. As a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, we perform groundbreaking research studies and clinical trials that continue to raise the bar for the treatment and support of all cancer patients.

Moffitt also offers a clear advantage in terms of surgical expertise. Based on patient volume, we’re one of the largest cancer centers in the nation. This is particularly important because anal cancer is relatively rare. As a result, many low-volume cancer centers see only a few cases and perform only a handful of anal cancer surgery procedures each year. In contrast, Moffitt has helped thousands of patients fight anal cancer and live higher-quality lives. Simply put, numbers matter.

How is anal cancer treated surgically?

At Moffitt, each patient’s treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation by a multispecialty tumor board. If these experts collaboratively determine that anal cancer surgery is appropriate, our highly experienced surgeons can perform:

• Local resection – This minimally invasive approach can be effective for addressing small, localized tumors that form in the lower part of the anus. In general, a surgeon removes a tumor and some surrounding healthy tissue and may be able to preserve the function of the sphincter muscles, thus allowing the patient to maintain bowel control.
• Abdominoperineal resection – If a tumor has spread or a patient has poor sphincter function, a surgeon may remove the anus, rectum and part of the colon through an incision made in the patient’s abdomen. To facilitate the flow of solid waste from the body, the surgeon can create an opening in the abdominal wall (stoma) and attach the end of the large intestine, then cover the opening with a bag (colostomy) to collect the waste.

Following anal cancer surgery, a patient’s progress is continually monitored by Moffitt’s tumor board. When necessary, the treatment plan is revised, and the patient is also informed of new and better options as they become available.

To learn more about anal cancer surgery and other treatments, call 1-888-663-3488 or complete our convenient new patient registration form. Referrals are not required.