Screening and Management of Anal Dysplasia and Anal Cancer in HIV-Infected Patients: A Guide for Practice

People living with HIV infection have a significantly higher rate of anal cancer as compared with that of uninfected people. It is believed that high-grade anal dysplasia secondary to human papillomavirus infection is a precursor to anal cancer. Considering this, screening and treatment of high-grade anal dysplasia is a possible means of preventing the development of anal cancer. No national or international guidelines exist to guide practice for screening and management of anal dysplasia. On the basis of a review of research and expert recommendations, a guide to practice for screening and management of anal dysplasia and anal cancer is made for clinicians.

Key words: anal cancer, anal dysplasia, anal intraepithelial neoplasia, anal pap, anoscopy