Fistula Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Fistula, including details on types, causes, treatment. | ||||||||
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Fistula-associated anal adenocarcinoma: good results with aggressive therapy.Gaertner WB, Hagerman GF, Finne CO, Alavi K, Jessurun J, Rothenberger DA, Madoff RD Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St. SE, MMC 195, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA. gaert015@umn.edu PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical features, pathology, treatment, and outcome of patients with fistula-associated anal adenocarcinoma. METHODS: We identified 14 patients with histologically proven fistula-associated anal adenocarcinoma. We reviewed their medical records and pathology specimens to characterize their presentation, treatment, and clinical outcome. RESULTS: Nine patients presented with a persistent fistula, 3 with a perianal mass, 1 with pain and drainage, and 1 with a recurrent perianal abscess. The average age at time of diagnosis was 59 (range, 37-76) years. Eleven patients had preexisting chronic anal fistulas. Ten had Crohn's disease, and 1 had previously received pelvic radiation therapy. The diagnosis of cancer was suspected during physical examination in 6 of the 14 patients (43 percent). Twelve patients had extensive local disease at presentation. Primary abdominoperineal resection was performed in 11 patients, 7 following neoadjuvant chemoradiation. Six patients received postoperative chemotherapy, and 2 received postoperative radiation. Four patients died with metastatic disease. The remaining 10 patients are alive without evidence of disease at a mean follow-up of 64.3 (range, 14-149) months. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of fistula-associated anal adenocarcinoma is often unsuspected. Most patients can be cured with aggressive surgical and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Published 3 July 2008 in Dis Colon Rectum, 51(7): 1061-7.
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