Association of anal symptoms with anal high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) among men who have sex with men: Baseline data from the study of the prevention of anal cancer (SPANC)

on behalf of the Study for the Prevention of Anal Cancer (SPANC) Research Team

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Abstract

Background: The association between anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) and anal symptoms has not been systematically investigated. Methods: The Study of Prevention of Anal Cancer is a prospective cohort study of men who have sex with men (MSM) ≥ 35 years old in Sydney, Australia. Self-reported symptoms were collected. Anal cytology and high-resolution anoscopy were undertaken. Using baseline visit data, men negative for squamous intra-epithelial lesion (SIL) were compared with men diagnosed with composite-HSIL (cytology and/or histology). Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association of symptoms with HSIL. Results: Among 414 MSM included (composite-HSIL (n = 231); negative for SIL (n = 183)), 306 (73.9%) reported symptom(s) within the last 6 months. There was no association between any symptom and composite-HSIL. A significant association between anal lump and a larger burden of HSIL (at least 2 intra-anal octants) (anal lump within last month: p = 0.014; anal lump within last 6 months: p = 0.010) became non-significant after adjusting for HIV-status and recent anal warts (anal lump within last month: p = 0.057; anal lump within last 6 months: p = 0.182). Conclusions: Among MSM age 35 years and older, most anal symptoms are not a useful marker of anal HSIL.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)12-16
Number of pages5
JournalCancer Epidemiology
Volume58
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Feb 2019

Keywords

  • Anogenital cancer
  • Anogenital conditions
  • Homosexuality
  • HPV

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