Development of lower genital carcinomas in patients with anal carcinoma.A more than casual relationship

Abstract

In a series of 64 anal carcinomas in the female 11 had multiple primaries in the ano-genital tract. Statistical analysis using control series illustrated that this incidence is more than a casual association of these tumors. In 5 patients the second or third primaries were diagnosed within a period of one year or less (synchronous tumors). In 6 patients the time interval for the appearance of other primaries was of more than one year (metachronous tumors). Of the latter group, 5 had previous x-ray therapy to the area and the enhancing or primary carcinogenic effect of the ionizing radiation cannot be ruled out. It appears evident, however, that primary tumor in the ano-genital tract in the female deserves careful investigation and follow-up if cancer patients are to be kept free of disease.