Fistula-associated anal carcinoma in Crohn's disease.

Fistula-associated anal carcinoma in Crohn's disease. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2018 Jul 12;: Authors: Yamamoto T, Gustavo Kotze P, Spinelli A, Panaccione R Abstract INTRODUCTION: Fistula-associated anal carcinoma in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) is a rare condition. More recently, this entity has been increasingly reported likely due to increased recognition and the incidence may be greater than once appreciated. There remains a paucity of data regarding the incidence, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of fistula-associated anal carcinoma. Area covered: This review evaluates the clinical features, pathology, treatment and prognosis of fistula-associated anal carcinoma in patients with CD. A strategy for surveillance of this carcinoma is proposed by the authors based on the evidence obtained from this review. Expert commentary: Clinicians caring for patients with CD and perianal involvement need to be aware of the rare yet extremely important association of longstanding perianal disease and fistula associated carcinoma. Only through awareness, a high level of suspicion will this be diagnosed in a timely manner. This involves a thorough history, a proper and complete anorectal examination, along with early imaging and examination under anesthesia. Through this approach it is hoped that early diagnose can be achieved in at risk patients and change the significant morbidity and mortality associated with this diagnosis. ...
Source: Expert Review of Gastroenterology and Hepatology - Category: Gastroenterology Tags: Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol Source Type: research