Surgery in squamous cell carcinoma of the anus.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the anus is an uncommon malignancy, with an increasing incidence globally. For most patients, primary treatment is nonsurgical. Despite this, surgeons are essential in the clinical teams that manage patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the anus. This review examines both supportive and therapeutic roles carried out by the anal cancer surgeon, within the anal cancer multi-disciplinary team platform. The indications for pretherapeutic stoma, fistula management, and primary surgical treatment are described. The role of the anal cancer surgeon in early follow-up and results following salvage surgery, including perineal reconstruction, are discussed. In addition, potential routes for future research are outlined.