Anal symptoms and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions in patients from the Anal Neoplasia Clinic of Puerto Rico
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Anal cancer can cause several symptoms, such as anal bleeding, pain or lumps. Although high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) are precursors of anal cancer, scarce information exists regarding its association with anal symptomatology. This study aims to assess anal symptoms and their association between anal squamous intraepithelial lesions and HSIL in a Hispanic high-risk population, as well as predictors of anal symptoms. METHODS: Data from the baseline visit of patients attending the Anal Neoplasia Clinic of the University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center (September 2016-December 2023) was analyzed. Anal cancer screening was performed and the presence of seven self-reported anal symptoms were assessed at the clinical visit. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association of anal symptoms with HSIL by HIV status, as well as predictors of anal symptoms. RESULTS: Among 872 patients, 69.0% were people living with HIV. HSIL prevalence was 41.7%. Prevalence of self-reported anal symptoms was 19.5%; the most common symptoms were bleeding (6.6%), pain or discomfort (5.3%) and lump (4.2%). On multivariable adjusted analysis, HSIL was not associated with having anal symptoms. However, current smoking (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.04-1.20), having hemorrhoids (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.02-1.14) and anal warts (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.07-1.23) were associated with higher odds of anal symptoms. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that anal symptoms are not good predictors for HSIL, and that smokers and those with benign anal conditions have increased anal symptomatology. These results highlight the importance of systematic anal cancer screening for prevention and early detection.
Source: Sexual Health
DOI: 10.1071/sh25075
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7128361229