High Resolution Anoscopy
High Resolution Anoscopy
A modern analytical examination with an essential role in the prevention of rectal cancer, the high resolution anoscopy is today an important diagnostic "tool" in the hands of a specially trained doctor.
What is the High Resolution Anoscopy?
High resolution anoscopy is a specialized examination, which contributes to the evaluation of a series of diseases of the anus, but mainly it is used to diagnose damage to the epithelium of the anus from the wart virus and for the early diagnosis of dysplasia of the anus, which is a precancerous condition.
Its difference from the classic proctoscopy is the magnification of up to 40 times provided by the special magnification technology (using a microscope), as well as the digital images that the doctor can study after the end of the examination and keep for his records the patient.
For who is it for?
High resolution anoscopy is for people at increased risk of rectal cancer, such as:
- Men who have sex with men.
- People with intraanal or perianal warts.
- Women with a history of neoplasia.
- Women with a history of cervical HPV infection.
- People - carriers of the AIDS virus.
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High Resolution Anoscopy Procedure
High resolution anoscopy is performed in the office and does not require special preparation.
It is recommended, however, in several cases a few hours before the examination to carry out a low occlusion.
Also, if you are taking medications that can cause bleeding, such as aspirin, let your doctor know for guidance.
The process is simple and short and takes no more than 30 minutes:
- The patient is placed in a special position on the examination bed.
- During the examination, no type of injectable local anesthesia is performed, only lubricating gel (gel) or xylocaine gel that facilitates the insertion of the proctoscope into the anus area.
- The doctor inserts the proctoscope, removes the internal occluder, and applies to the area gauze or cotton soaked in a mild dye solution (acetic acid or Lugol's solution), which reacts with the mucosa, highlighting "suspicious" areas.
- The area around the anus (perigenital area) and the inside of the anal canal are carefully examined with the help of a special microscope with high resolution and magnification, revealing lesions that are not visible to the naked eye.
- If the doctor deems it necessary, he can proceed with a biopsy, taking a sample of tissue from the mucous membrane of the anus.
What does High Resolution Anoscopy show?
High resolution anoscopy has the ability to detect abnormal cells and for this reason, among others, it can be particularly useful:
- In the diagnosis of anal warts.
- In the control and diagnosis of suspected precancerous lesions (anal dysplasia).
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Πλεονεκτήματα Εξέτασης
High resolution anoscopy brings together several advantages such as:
- It is safe.
- It is quick.
- Allows biopsy of lesions if deemed necessary.
Important to point out is that our clinic's policy is that upon completion of the examination, in addition to analyzing and discussing the findings with the patient and planning the therapeutic approach together, we deliver to our patient a detailed report with the results of the high resolution anoscopy as well as and photographs of the individual lesions of the anus.
The exposure of the high resolution anoscopy and the result of the rectal pap test (anal test pap), in most cases, give us the most information we need to give the most complete and personalized therapeutic approach for each of our patients individually.
Frequent Questions
Which doctor's specialty should I see for a high resolution anoscopy?
Does high resolution anoscopy hurt?
High resolution anoscopy or Colonoscopy?
Bibliography
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4580949
- https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/surgery/specialties/colorectal/procedures/high-resolution-anoscopy.aspx