Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Correspondence: selimagic. The aim of this article was to present a summary of the current resources available in the literature regarding the role of inflammation in anal cancer development.
Anal cancer is relatively uncommon, accounting for about 2. However, the importance of understanding the pathogenesis and risk factors for anal cancer has been recognized over the last several decades due to a noticed increase in incidence worldwide. Infections, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory diseases of unknown etiology cause chronic inflammation that promotes tumorigenesis.
The association between chronic inflammation and cancer development is widely accepted. It is based on different pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to cellular transformation and changes in immunological response, allowing tumor cells to avoid apoptosis and immune surveillance. However, there are still many molecular and cellular mechanisms that remain largely unexplored.
Further studies on this topic could be of tremendous significance in elucidating anal cancer pathogenesis and developing immunotherapeutic approaches for its treatment. In , it is expected that there will be new cases and deaths due to anal cancer [ 1 ].
The anal canal is a short 3β4 cm segment located distal to the rectum, commencing at the anorectal ring and extending to the anal verge. There are different types of epithelium located in this region, including, from proximal to distal: 1 colorectal-like columnar epithelium; 2 stratified columnar epithelium, which is similar to transitional epithelium of the genitourinary tract; 3 non-keratinized squamous cell epithelium [ 2 ].
