Anal Pap Smear (Anal Cancer Screening)

Posted by MichealH Alexander on December 2nd, 2020

Anal cancer is not common cancer in the general population. However, through studies, it has been found that person who engage in receptive anal sex (both heterosexuals and MSM) have a much higher risk of developing anal cancer. Premature Ejaculation

90% of all anal cancers in the world is caused by Human Papilloma virus (yes, the same virus that causes cervical cancers in women). Risks of developing anal cancer includes

•          receptive anal intercourse
•          HIV positive status
•          Tobacco smoking

A recent 2018 study that looks at all the evidence so far, shows that up to 85% of all anal cancers in persons who are HIV negative is due mostly to one single strain of HPV virus – HPV 16. In HIV positive individuals who have anal cancers, HPV 16 while still playing a significant role, it is not the only HPV strain detected.

So how do I know if I have anal cancer?

In its early stages, anal cancer often has no obvious symptoms. In later stages, symptoms that may be experienced by some people are:

•          blood or mucus in stools (faeces) or on toilet paper
•          itching, discomfort or pain around the anus
•          a feeling of fullness, discomfort or pain in the rectum
•          a lump near the edge of the anus
•          ulcers around the anus
•          difficulty controlling bowels

So what should I do to screen for anal cancer if I’m at risk?

First of all, you should consult your doctor and if your doctor thinks that you are at risk of developing anal cancer, he will advise to do a HPV high-risk group test which will detect the common high-risk HPV strains that can cause cancer esp HPV 16/18. This is because as studies have shown 90% of anal cancers are due to high risk HPV strains.

Thus if the HPV test is positive for the high risk HPV strains, that increases your risk of anal cancer even further. In addition, your doctor may advise you to do an Anal Pap Smear at the same time as this test will show if there is any abnormal cells that may indicate early stage of anal cancer. Peyronie's Disease

So who are considered at risk of developing anal cancers?

•          Individuals who engage in receptive anal sex;
•          HIV positive individuals

What is HPV high risk group test?

Rapid HPV Test + Thin Prep test allows you to identify not just cervical cancer or pre-cancerous state, but also High-risk HPV infection which can precede cell changes

What will be done during the anal pap smear test?

The doctor will get you to lie on your side with both your knees slightly bent. He will then insert a cotton stick into the anus and take the sample of the cells from the inside of the anus.