Dr Conant’s Comment:
“Perianal and anal warts are very common in individuals who have receptive anal sex.
Anal warts (HPV) can progress to dysplasia (abnormal cells), and then to malignant squamous cell carcinoma.
This form of cancer may be painless for many months and the only way to diagnose it in an early stage is by doing a rectal Pap (Papanicolaou) smear.
Many individuals who have engaged in receptive anal sex do not disclose this to their physician. They should do so and request an anal Pap smear at least once a year. The Pap smear will detect early dysplastic changes from asymptomatic changes inside the rectum and the dysplastic area can be destroyed before it becomes malignant.
Advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the rectum with metastases is an emotionally degrading and painful way to die.”
