Cross-posted from: NIH Office of AIDS Research

A panel of experts in HIV care has released new recommendations to prevent anal cancer for people with HIV, the first U.S. federal guidelines on the topic. These recommendations include a screening program that uses high resolution anoscopy (HRA) to help detect and treat precancer and prevent anal cancer for people with HIV.

The guidelines recommend that all adults with HIV be assessed at least once per year for anal abnormalities (such as pain, burning, or masses) and undergo digital anorectal examination (DARE).

People under the age of 35 who are symptomatic or show signs of anal cancer (visual or palpable abnormalities) during DARE should undergo standard anoscopy.

Older people should undergo additional lab-based screening with subsequent HRA, rather than standard anoscopy, if they are among the following populations:

• Men who have sex with men and transgender women ages 35 and older
• All other people with HIV ages 45 and older

This lab-based screening should include collection of anorectal specimens for diagnosis. If there are any abnormalities on those specimens, or symptoms or signs of anal cancer in the initial assessment and DARE, clinicians should make a referral for HRA.

See the complete guidelines on the ClinicalInfo.HIV.gov website.

This information is taken directly from HIV.gov. Please visit the link to read the full article: HIV Clinical Guidelines Now Recommend High Resolution Anoscopy as Part of Anal Cancer Screening Program for People with HIV | HIV.gov