DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF THE ANAL HPV INFECTION
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is easily sexually transmitted when both cutaneous and mucosal epithelium are exposed to. It’s a very frequent virus. As a matter of fact, several studies have determined that a large part of the population will be in contact with it throughout their life. Unlike bacterial infections, it does not have a specific treatment, although in most cases this infection is solved spontaneously.
There is a possibility, however, for it to become persistent. As the Human Papilloma Virus is a microorganism that induces cell proliferation, there is a direct relationship with certain cancers in the cervix, anus, vagina, penis, vulva, and oropharynx.
In our ano-rectal pathology unit we believe that prevention and early diagnosis is the best way to fight against cancer. That is why, for patients considered at risk in relation to anal cancer or who inquiry about lesions related to HPV infection such as genital warts or condylomas, we offer a program for the systematic detection of Human Papilloma Virus and treatment of this pathology.
The aim is to identify lesions in the anal canal and perianal region that are not detectable in conventional proctologic exploration. In case some lesions are found, it should be treated to avoid possible malignant degeneration.
Our protocol includes performing an anal canal cytology for the identification of cellular alterations, and an HPV genotyping for the qualitative detection of the genotype of the Human Papilloma Virus, which allows us to know the type or types of viruses identified.
In case of appreciating alterations in the previous tests, the next step will be to perform a high resolution anoscopy for epithelial visualization at high magnification. A test carried out with the goal of detecting alterations or lesions in the mucosa which should be biopsied.
If the biopsy confirms the lesion, the treatment will consist in the removal of the affected tissue, by means of topical non-ablative therapy on the visualized lesions, or by means of ablative techniques such as infrared, cryotherapy, electrocoagulation or CO2 laser.