Pre-cancerous cell changes sometimes 'hidden' in anal warts of gay men

via Aidsmap, by Michael Carter

Cancerous or “high-grade” pre-cancerous cells changes were detected in a high proportion of anal warts surgically removed from gay men, US investigators report in the July 1^st edition of Clinical Infectious Diseases.

The investigators believe that their findings could have implications for the management of anal warts.

There are two types of human papilloma virus (HPV) that can infect the anogenital tract. Strains of the virus that cause cauliflower-like anogential warts involve a low risk of anal cancer. However, some strains of the virus, especially HPV 16 and 18, can cause anal cancer and its precursor, the pre-cancerous cell changes called high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN).

Investigators wished to see if there was evidence of occult – or hidden – anal cancer or pre-cancerous cell changes in the anal warts which were surgically removed from 320 gay men, 50% of whom were HIV-positive. 

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