From advanced anal squamous cell carcinoma to complete remission: A case report with clinical, radiological, and patient-narrative perspectives.

Résumé

This revised case report presents the clinical course of a 42-year-old woman diagnosed with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (T4N2M1), with radiological evidence of extensive locoregional disease and suspected metastatic involvement, including para-aortic and hepatic lesions. Initially managed with palliative intent, the patient demonstrated an exceptional response to systemic chemotherapy followed by definitive chemoradiotherapy, resulting in complete radiological and clinical remission sustained over two years of follow-up. In addition to clinical data, this report uniquely integrates a first-person narrative describing the patient's psychological, emotional, and spiritual experience throughout diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. This perspective provides insight into the patient's subjective understanding of illness, resilience, and meaning-making during a life-threatening condition. The combination of objective oncological evidence with a structured patient narrative highlights the potential value of integrating psychosocial and existential dimensions into oncologic care and research.