Is it possible for the tumor to spread without lymph node involvement?

Hello doctor,

My friend is suffering from metastatic liver disease. The primary site has been found to be anal canal. The primary tumor was very difficult to find as it was not visible on PET or colonoscopy. It only felt on digital rectal examination. Biopsy of the primary tumor as well as the liver lesions showed basaloid carcinoma. The histochemical examination showed synaptophysin positive, P63 and CK5/6 negative, KI67 80% positive and histopathologic observation confirmed the basaloid tumor. There is no affected regional lymph node and only distant metastasis to the liver. The doctor recommends starting with chemotherapy and if it is not responding to it, then we can switch to Vismodegib afterwards.

Though I am not an oncologist, I read a lot about the cancer. Apparently, it is rare tumor and information is not really available about it. There are some doubts whether to start with pre-operative chemotherapy and proceed with surgery or to remove both primary and secondary lesions and then to go for the chemotherapy or radiotherapy. As this is a rare tumor every recommendation or suggestions would be so valuable. Is it possible to have hematogenously spread tumor without lymph node involvement? The PET describes the wall of the anus as thickened, with normal contours. Does it mean that locally it has not reached big size? No regional lymph nodes are affected and colonoscopy showed third degree internal hemorrhoid. Is it possible that this is the possible site of entry of the metastasis? Is it possible that the primary tumor is aggressive enough to metastasize, but being very close to veins, gave it an opportunity to spread distantly?

I know that I am just hypothesizing, but please share your opinion. It is so important to me to be sure about what we have to do. I will attach the PET scan and biopsy morphology. Thank you in advance.