Squamous cell carcinoma arising from anal fistula in an HIV-positive individual: a case report

Chronic anal fistula represents a prevalent form of perianal disease that frequently originates from perianal infection. Specifically, perianal abscesses that are inadequately or improperly treated are susceptible to the development of chronic anal fistulas. In HIV-infected individuals, an impaired immune system significantly diminishes the body's capacity to combat infections and inflammation, thereby complicating the healing process of anal fistulas. Moreover, the impact of HIV on tissue repair results in a markedly prolonged healing process for wounds and tissue damage in these patients, exacerbating the difficulty in anal fistula resolution. Chronic anal fistulas that remain untreated for extended periods not only severely impair the patient's quality of life but also pose an increased risk of malignant transformation.