Radiation dermatitis during treatment for anorectal cancer is often a cause of significant discomfort for patients and interruptions in radiation treatment. Pain often causes difficulty with walking, sitting and tolerating clothing leading to a marked reduction in quality of life. Interruptions in the radiation treatment schedule are undesirable because the radiobiologic effect of radiation on the cancer cells is decreased, resulting in an increased risk of local cancer recurrence.

Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center treats 850 patients annually.

This poster will present a review of 4 patients with anorectal cancer who are receiving curative doses of radiation. Thorough explanation of topical wound therapy will be provided. This will include the use of a soft silicone dressing applied upon patient complaint of perianal skin discomfort. Skin and dressing placement photographs will be obtained. Pain assessments, using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, will be obtained weekly during radiation. We will compare the number of interrupted treatment days and level of pain in these patients versus all anorectal patients treated in the previous six months.

Finding an ideal dressing for wounds in the perianal area is uniquely challenging due to body contours and movement. The dressing we will use is an absorbent foam layer with a silicone coating that contours well on numerous body sites. It does not adhere to a moist wound, and can be lifted and reapplied without losing its adherence.

Our experience with soft silicone dressings in other body sites has resulted in decreased pain and improved quality of life. The unique conformability of these dressings allow for secure placement in challenging areas. It is our goal and hope that these patients with anorectal cancer will experience the same beneficial effects, find improvement in quality of life and complete radiation treatments on schedule.