Anal cancer screening: Techniques and guidelines

Anal squamous cell cancer has a precancerous stage of high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). Some centers still use the terminology of anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) where HSIL covers AIN2 and AIN3. Techniques that may be used for screening to prevent anal cancer aim to detect HSIL with high sensitivity and specificity and relatively low cost. Cytology and human papillomavirus detection are currently available however both have insufficient sensitivity and specificity to be reliable screening techniques, especially in the highest risk groups for anal cancer.
Source: Seminars in Colon and Rectal Surgery - Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Source Type: research