Clin Colon Rectal Surg
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1809890
Review Article

Treatment Options for Anal Neoplasia: Going from Anal Dysplasia to Anal Cancer

Trista J. Stankowski
1   Division of Surgery, Department of Colorectal Surgery, Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, Indiana
› Author Affiliations
Preview

Abstract

While overall uncommon, the incidence of anal cancer in the United States is on the rise. The majority of these cases are squamous cell in origin and attributed to infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) and the associated evolution of anal squamous intraepithelial lesions. Immunosuppressed patients such as those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or solid organ transplants and those with high-grade dysplasia or carcinoma of the cervix or vulva are at highest risk for evolution to anal cancer. The recently published anal cancer HSIL outcomes research (ANCHOR) trial demonstrated benefit to treating anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs) to reduce the progression to anal cancer. This article reviews screening and treatment of anal HSIL including ablative, topical, and surgical options as well as the diagnosis and treatment of anal cancer.



Publication History

Article published online:
02 July 2025

© 2025. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA