Gastrointestinal Pathology: Canal and Anus: Squamous Carcinoma of Anal Margin

Ernest F., aged 74, presented with a lump at the anus for two years with enlarged inguinal lymph nodes on both sides. Biopsy confirmed keratinising squamous carcinoma. As it was doubtful whether he could manage a colostomy, a local palliative excision was carried out together with bilateral block dissection of the groins. Within a year the lesion recurred around the anus and an abdomino-perineal excision of the rectum was performed. He never fully recovered fromm the operation and died two months later.