Detecting and Preventing Anal Cancer 

The number of people diagnosed with anal cancer is increasing year after year, and early detection is critical. Methods for prevention and early detection include the anal Pap smear, which can look for abnormal cells, and high-resolution anoscopy (HRA), which can detect anal dysplasia (pre-cancerous cells) and anal cancer.

About High-Resolution Anoscopy

If your anal Pap results are positive (showing abnormal cells), the next step is high-resolution anoscopy. Performed in the office setting, HRA uses a special scope, the anoscope, to magnify the area. The anoscope allows your physician to examine the cells more precisely and perform a biopsy or treatment immediately if indicated.

Anal Cancer is Caused by a Virus

Anal Pap Smear for Early Detection

We can use the Pap smear to screen and diagnose anal cancer and pre-cancer in the early stages. This is similar to how gynecologists use a Pap smear to screen and diagnose early stages of cervical cancer.

For an anal Pap test, primary care physicians, gynecologists, gastroenterologists, or colorectal surgeons can swab the anal lining. Then, our laboratory experts look closely at the cells in the lab. The test only takes only minutes to perform. No bowel preparation is needed.

When Anal Pap Results are Abnormal

If your Pap comes back abnormal or positive for anal dysplasia (cells that could indicate cancer), the next step is a high-resolution anoscopy. The HRA device can screen for anal dysplasia (pre-cancer) in addition to existing anal cancer. The technology allows us to find the dysplasia more accurately and treat it, so we can prevent anal cancer from forming.

Symptoms of Anal Cancer

Sometimes, people have no symptoms. Other times, anal cancer produces symptoms that can be in the rectal or anal area that include:

• Rectal bleeding
• Itching
• Mucus
• Pain or feeling of fullness
• Changes in bowel habits
• A lump in or near the anus
• Swollen lymph nodes near the area
• Sometimes, no symptoms

The symptoms of anal cancer mimic those of hemorrhoids, which can complicate diagnosing the condition and getting patients the help they need. As a result, anal cancer often goes undiagnosed in the early stages when it is easier to treat.

Risk Factors for Anal Cancer

Protect your health by having a conversation with your healthcare provider about anal cancer risk factors and screening. Anal cancer typically occurs among older adults, and is more likely to affect white women and Black men.

Risk factors for anal cancer include:

• Exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Being immunocompromised as a result of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) or having to take drugs that suppress the immune system (for example, organ transplant recipients)
• A history of anal-receptive sexual activity
• Abnormal cervical Pap smear
• A history of genital warts

High Resolution Anoscopy (HRA) in Doylestown

Doylestown Health Colorectal Specialists now offer both anal Pap and high-resolution anoscopy in the office setting. When a Pap comes back with abnormal cells or is positive for HPV, HRA allows our colorectal surgeons to take a closer, more precise look at the anal area. They can immediately perform a biopsy and send the sample to the lab for further examination. They can also treat any concerning areas.

Schedule an Appointment

For more information on anal Pap smears or the HRA procedure offered at Doylestown Health Colorectal Specialists, call 215.863.8287.