It looks for precancerous or cancerous cells but can’t make a definitive diagnosis.
If the lab finds abnormal cells, further testing is necessary.
The anal Pap does not test for colon or rectal cancer.
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This article explains the anal Pap smear purpose and screening guidelines.
It also covers what to expect during the test and how to prepare.
As with cervical cancer,human papillomavirus (HPV)is responsible for most cases of anal cancer.
Both are targets of theHPV vaccine.
Who Should Have an Anal Pap?
No national organization has issued routine anal cancer screening guidelines for the general population.
However, there are a number of things you shouldnotdo beforehand to ensure accurate results.
Medical exam rooms tend to be chilly so you may want to wear or bring a pair of socks.
Cost and Health Insurance
Health insurance often doesn’t cover anal Pap smears.
If not, you will need to pay out of pocket for the procedure.
Ask your healthcare provider’s office for an estimate of how much it will cost.
Jot down any questions you may have about the procedure or anal cancer in general as well.
During the Test
The anal Pap smear is quick and simple.
Pre-Test
When you arrive for your anal Pap smear, you will check in with a receptionist.
You may need to stay in the waiting room for a while.
You’ll be given a medical gown and instructed to undress from the waist down before putting it on.
They’ll then leave the room to give you privacy while you change.
Feel free to leave your socks on if you think you will get cold.
The healthcare provider will ask you to get into position for the test.
Continuing to rotate the swab, they will slowly withdraw it.
It will take about two weeks to get results.
Often, a high-resolution anoscopy (HRA) will be recommended for a follow-up to an abnormal anal Pap.
Sometimes an anoscopy is done in conjunction with a biopsy.
But chances are, your anal Pap test will be a quick and relatively easy experience.
Stay calm and remember that this is just a screening tool, not a diagnostic test.
Often, abnormal lesions resolve on their own and do not become cancerous.
Frequently Asked Questions
Anal Pap smears do not test for HPV strains.
Instead, they detect cell changes that may result from HPV infection.
Currently, the only FDA-approved HPV test is a cervical Pap smear.
There is no special preparation required for an anal Pap smear.
However, it may help to know what to expect.
For the test, you will undress from the waist down.
The procedure is painless and takes less than a minute.
An anal Pap smear is a simple procedure done in a healthcare provider’s office.
A small swab collects cells from the anus and rectum during the test.
Leeds IL, Fang SH.Anal cancer and intraepithelial neoplasia screening: A review.World J Gastrointest Surg.
2014 Jan 1;58(1): 1-10. doi:10.1093/cid/cit757
American Cancer Society.Can Anal Cancer Be Found Early?
American Medical Association.Use of chaperones.
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American Academy of Family Physicians.Human papilloma virus (HPV).
Anal Cancer Foundation.Living with Anal Cancer/Prevention.
University of California, San Francisco.Anal Cancer Information.
