Anal Pap Smear & High-Resolution Anoscopy
Anal Pap Smear
Anal cancer may not be common, but it’s important to take preventative measures if you’re at higher risk for the disease. At Connecticut Colon & Rectal Surgery, LLC, we offer anal pap smears to help catch any potential issues early. Our anal pap smear service is designed to be a quick and painless way to detect any precancerous changes in the cells that could lead to anal cancer. With our team of highly experienced professionals, you can rest assured that you’re in good hands to receive the best care possible. Don’t wait – schedule your screening with us today!
What is an anal pap smear?
How is an anal pap smear performed?
During an anal pap smear, a sample of cells from the anal canal are collected by swabbing the anal lining with a swab that looks similar to a Q-tip. Once collected the specimen is sent off to a laboratory. While at the laboratory, a pathologist removes the cells off the swab and proceeds to examine the specimen closely under a microscope to look for any abnormalities.
Why would I need an anal pap smear?
Anal cancer is most often caused by a sexually transmitted disease called human papillomavirus, or more commonly known as HPV. Most cancers of the anus, cervix, and penis are caused by HPV. Human papillomavirus is transmitted during sex, therefore sexually active individuals can become infected quite easily, leaving them more vulnerable to anal cancer. Although wearing a condom can help prevent the spread of HPV, it doesn’t eliminate the risk.
When to Have a Regular Anal Pap Smear
It is advisable to have a regular anal pap smear if you are:
- Having unprotected sex
- Regularly having anal sex
- Engaged with multiple sexual partners
- Men having sex with men (regardless of HIV status)
- Women who have had cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, or vulvar cancer
- HIV-positive
- Individuals who have or are at increased risk for anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN, potentially a pre-cancerous condition)
- Immunocompromised individuals, such as those who have received an organ transplant or are on long-term steroids
- Individuals who have or have had a history of genital or anal warts
- Individuals who have a history of HPV-related cancer or genital or anal warts
Why would I need an anal pap smear?
According to the Cancer Network around 95% of HIV-positive bisexual and gay men are already carrying an HPV virus. In addition, roughly 65% of HIV-negative bisexual and gay men are carrying an HPV virus.
How often should I have an anal pap smear?
High-Resolution Anoscopy (HRA)
High-Resolution Anoscopy is a procedure used to examine and evaluate the anal canal for abnormal cells or lesions that have a high likelihood of turning into cancer. High-resolution anoscopy is performed with magnification (enlarging the apparent size, not the physical size, of something). It has been shown to reduce the risk of anal cancer. In addition to the anoscope, which helps keep the anus open, a doctor uses another device called a colposcope. A colposcope is a high-resolution mobile microscope that provides magnification to view the area. A doctor uses the colposcope to closely examine suspicious areas in the anal canal.
To better view the suspicious areas, the physician applies acetic acid (similar to a mild, vinegar-like solution) to a cotton swab, which is then applied into the anus through the anoscope. The acid reacts with certain abnormal cells, making them appear white.
If any abnormal cells are detected during the exam, local anesthetic (lidocaine or similar) is used to reduce discomfort, and a biopsy (a small sample of tissue) of the abnormal tissue is performed by the surgeon. The cells or tissue removed during the biopsy will then be sent to a laboratory for further examination under a microscope by a pathologist to confirm any cell changes.
High-resolution anoscopies are performed at a hospital or outpatient facility under sedation (similar to a colonoscopy) and local anesthesia. The procedure typically takes 20-30 minutes to perform. If a biopsy is obtained, some light bleeding and discomfort should be expected for one to two days.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call our office at 860-854-3505 or request an appointment online. If appropriate and availability allows, a consultation appointment will be scheduled for you to be seen by one of our experienced physicians, generally, within a two-week timeframe of contacting the office. Procedures are generally scheduled shortly thereafter.
