Prevalence of Anal Dysplasia in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Anal High-risk Human Papillomavirus Infection, Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions, and Anal Cancer in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis [UC] and Crohn's disease [CD] can be associated with severe comorbidities, namely opportunistic infections and malignancies. We present the first systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the burden of anal human papillomavirus disease in patients with UC and CD.

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched until November 2022. Meta-analyses were performed using random effects models. The protocol was recorded at PROSPERO register with the number CRD42022356728.

RESULTS

Six studies, including 78 711 patients with UC with a total follow-up of 518 969 person-years, described the anal cancer incidence rate. For anal cancer incidence rate in CD, six studies were selected, including 56 845 patients with a total follow-up of 671 899 person-years. The incidence of anal cancer was 10.2 [95% CI 4.3 - 23.7] per 100 000 person-years in UC and 7.7 [3.5 - 17.1] per 100 000 person-years in CD. A subgroup analysis of anal cancer in perianal CD, including 7105 patients, was calculated with incidence of 19.6 [12.2 - 31.6] per 100 000 person-years [three studies included]. Few studies described prevalence of anal cytological abnormalities [four studies including 349 patients] or high-risk human papillomavirus [three studies including 210 patients], with high heterogeneity. Prevalence of cytological abnormalities or high-risk human papillomavirus was not associated with pharmacological immunosuppression in the studies included.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of anal cancer is higher in UC than in CD, with the exception of perianal CD. There are limited and heterogeneous data on anal high-risk human papillomavirus infection and squamous intraepithelial lesions prevalence in this population.

Perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease is associated with a higher prevalence of HPV in the anorectal fistula tract. A comparative study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease is the main risk factor for anal cancer in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Whether this occurs due to a higher frequency of human papillomavirus remains unclear. The authors aimed to evaluate the prevalence of HPV and high-risk HPV in patients with perianal Crohn's disease, compared with a control group.

METHODS

The authors conducted a two-center cross-sectional study in which perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease patients were matched for age and sex with patients with anorectal fistula without Crohn's disease. Biopsy specimens were obtained from fistulous tracts during examination under anesthesia for both groups. The samples were sent for HPV detection and genotyping using the INNO-LiPA test.

RESULTS

A total of 108 subjects (54 in each group) were recruited. The perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease group showed a statistically higher frequency of HPV in the fistulous tract than the control group (33.3% vs. 16.7%; p = 0.046). Separate analyses on high-risk types demonstrated that there was a numerically higher frequency of HPV in the perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease group. In multiple logistic regression, patients with perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease were found to have a chance of HPV 3.29 times higher than patients without Crohn's disease (OR = 3.29; 95% CI 1.20‒9.01), regardless of other variables. The types most frequently identified in the perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease group were HPV 11 (12.96%) and HPV 16 (9.26%).

CONCLUSION

Perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease is associated with a higher prevalence of HPV than in patients with anorectal fistula without Crohn's disease.

Anal neoplasia and perianal Crohn's disease: myth or reality?

The association between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and anal canal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has a low prevalence and is mainly supported by articles that include a series of cases. We describe the clinical, endoscopic and histological findings of a patient with Crohn's disease (CD) who, while undergoing biological therapy and active disease, developed SCC.

Prevalence of Anal Intraepithelial Lesions in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Introduction Anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) is a premalignant lesion of the anal canal associated with HPV, with a higher prevalence in immunosuppressed individuals. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at potential risk for their development, due to the use of immunosuppressants and certain characteristics of the disease.

Method This is a prospective, cross-sectional, and interventional study that included 53 patients with IBD treated at a tertiary outpatient clinic, who underwent anal smear for cytology in order to assess the prevalence of AIN and associated risk factors.

Results Forty-eight samples were negative for dysplasia and 2 were positive (4%). Both positive samples occurred in women, with Crohn's disease (CD), who were immunosuppressed and had a history of receptive anal intercourse.

Discussion The prevalence of anal dysplasia in IBD patients in this study is similar to that described in low-risk populations. Literature data are scarce and conflicting and there is no evidence to recommend screening with routine anal cytology in patients with IBD. Female gender, history of receptive anal intercourse, immunosuppression and CD seem to be risk factors.

Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Ulcerative Colitis: Can Pouches Withstand Traditional Treatment Protocols?

BACKGROUND

Anal squamous cell carcinoma has rarely been reported in the setting of ulcerative colitis.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to understand the prognosis of anal squamous cell carcinoma in the setting of ulcerative colitis.

DESIGN

This is a retrospective review.

SETTING

This study was conducted at a referral center.

PATIENTS

Adult patients with both ulcerative colitis (556.9/K51.9) and anal squamous cell carcinoma (154.3/C44.520) between January 1, 2000 and August 1, 2019 were included.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES

The primary outcomes measured are treatment and survival of anal squamous cell carcinoma.

RESULTS

Of the 13,499 patients with ulcerative colitis treated, 17 adult patients with ulcerative colitis and anal dysplasia and/or anal squamous cell carcinoma were included in the study: 6 had a diagnosis of anal squamous cell carcinoma, 8 had high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, and 3 had low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. There were 4 men (23%) and a median age of 55 years (range, 32-69) years. At diagnosis, 6 had an IPAA, of which 5 had active pouchitis, 1 had an ileorectal anastomosis with active proctitis, 1 had a Hartmann stump with disuse proctitis, 5 had pancolitis, and 4 had left-sided colitis. Of the 6 with anal squamous cell carcinoma, all received 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin C with external beam radiation therapy. Four patients had an IPAA, all of whom required intestinal diversion or pouch excision because of treatment intolerance. At a median follow-up of 60 months, 3 patients died: one at 0 months (treatment-related myocardial infarction), one at 60 months (metastatic anal squamous cell carcinoma), and one at 129 months (malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor); the remaining patients had no residual disease.

LIMITATIONS

This study was limited because of its retrospective nature and small number of patients.

CONCLUSION

Anal squamous cell carcinoma in the setting of ulcerative colitis is extremely rare. In the setting of IPAA, diversion may be necessary to prevent radiation intolerance. Careful examination of the perianal region should be performed at the time of surveillance endoscopy. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B582.

CARCINOMA ANAL DE CLULAS ESCAMOSAS EN COLITIS ULCEROSA PUEDE EL POUCH MODIFICAR LOS RESULTADOS DE LOS PROTOCOLOS DE TRATAMIENTO TRADICIONAL

ANTECEDENTES:La incidencia de cáncer anal de células escamosas es muy baja en pacientes con colitis ulcerosa.OBJETIVO:Comprender el pronóstico del cáncer anal de células escamosas en el contexto de la colitis ulcerosa.DISEÑO:Revisión retrospectiva.AJUSTE:Centro de referencia.PACIENTES:Pacientes adultos con colitis ulcerosa (556.9 / K51.9) y cáncer anal de células escamosas (154.3 / C44.520) entre el 1 de enero de 2000 y el 1 de agosto de 2019.RESULTADOS PRINCIPALES:Tratamiento y sobrevida del cáncer anal de células escamosas.RESULTADOS:De 13.499 pacientes en tratamiento por colitis ulcerosa, diecisiete presentaron displasia y/o cáncer de células escamosas: 6 con cáncer, 8 con lesiones intraepiteliales escamosas con displasia de alto grado y 3 con displasia de bajo grado.Cuatro son hombres (23 %) con una mediana de 55 años (rango 32-69). Al realizar el diagnóstico 6 tenían pouch, 5 con pouchitis activa; 1 con ileorecto anastomosis con proctitis activa y 1 con operación de Hartman y muñón con colitis por desuso; además 5 tenían pancolitis y 4 tenían colitis izquierdaTodos los casos con cáncer anal de células escamosas (6 pacientes), fueron tratados con 5-FU mas Mitomicina y radioterapia externa. Cuatro pacientes tenían pouch, todos requirieron derivación intestinal o escisión del pouch por intolerancia al tratamiento.En la mediana de seguimiento de 60 meses, tres pacientes fallecieron: uno a los 0 meses (infarto de miocardio relacionado con el tratamiento), uno a los 60 meses (cáncer de células escamosas metastásico) y uno a los 129 meses (tumor maligno de la vaina del nervio periférico); el resto no presentaba enfermedad residual.LIMITACIONES:Revisión retrospectiva, número pequeño de pacientes.CONCLUSIÓN:El cáncer anal de células escamosas en el contexto de la colitis ulcerosa es extremadamente raro. En el contexto de IPAA, la derivación puede ser necesaria para prevenir la intolerancia a la radiación. Se debe realizar un examen cuidadoso de la región perianal en el momento de la endoscopia de control. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B582.

Practice parameters for the diagnosis and treatment of anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) on behalf of the Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery (SICCR)

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the anus is a human papilloma virus (HPV) related malignancy that is preceded by anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) making this cancer, at least theoretically, a preventable disease. In the past 10 years the diagnosis, management and nomenclature of AIN has dramatically changed. Increased life expectancy in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive patients due to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has caused an increase in the incidence of SCC of the anus. While many experts recommend screening and treatment of anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), there is no consensus on the optimal management these lesions. Therefore, there is a need to review the current evidence on diagnosis and treatment of AIN and formulate recommendations to guide management. Surgeons who are members of the Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery (SICCR) with a recognized interest in AIN were invited to contribute on various topics after a comprehensive literature search. Levels of evidence were classified using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine of 2009 and the strength of recommendation was graded according to the United States (US) preventive services task force. These recommendations are among the few entirely dedicated only to the precursors of SCC of the anus and provide an evidence-based summary of the current knowledge about the management of AIN that will serve as a reference for clinicians involved in the treatment of patients at risk for anal cancer.

Improving immunization strategies in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are susceptible to varieties of opportunistic infections due to immunological changes in the setting of their disease and drug-induced immunosuppression. Even though numerous infections can be prevented by vaccine, vaccination in IBD patients is inadequate. Data showed only 9% were vaccinated against pneumococcal infection and 28% described commonly receiving influenza vaccine. This review article discusses the recent immunizations against influenza virus; pneumococcal infection; human papilloma virus; tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis; measles, mumps and rubella; varicella zoster; and herpes zoster for individuals diagnosed with IBD and those patients with drug-related immunosuppression. In addition, this review discusses concerns about IBD patients planning to travel abroad. Immunization status and screening for opportunistic infection need to be addressed in IBD patients at the time of diagnosis and they should be vaccinated accordingly. Generally, standard vaccination strategies should be pursued in IBD patients, although live vaccines should be avoided while they are not immunocompetent.

The association between body mass index and anal canal human papillomavirus prevalence and persistence: the HIM study

Background: While receptive anal sex is an established risk factor for anal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA), people with anal HPV infection and SCCA commonly report no lifetime receptive anal sex suggesting other factors may also increase risk for anal HPV infection and persistence. Given potential associations between obesity and conditions that may cause perianal or anal canal lesions, we hypothesized that body mass index (BMI) was associated with HPV infection. Methods: Genotyping for 36 HPV types was conducted on anal canal specimens from men, ages 18-70, from Brazil, Mexico, and the USA. Eligibility included no history of genital warts or HIV. Evaluable specimens were collected from 328 men having sex with men (MSM) and 1348 men having sex with women (MSW) who reported no lifetime receptive anal sex. Prevalence of anal HPV infection and six-month persistence by BMI were estimated in addition to adjusted prevalence ratios for the association between BMI and HPV infection. Results: Among MSW, obese men had a higher prevalence of HPV-16 in the anal canal (3.1%), compared to normal weight men (1.3%) although 95% CI overlapped. Among MSM, prevalence of HPV decreased with increasing BMI. A similar pattern was observed for persistence. After adjustment for confounders, obese MSW had 2.4 times higher odds of HPV-16 compared to normal weight men. Conclusions: BMI may be positively associated with anal HPV (especially HPV-16) among MSW and negatively associated with anal HPV among MSM which supports continued universal HPV vaccination programs.

Comparison of nylon-flocked swab and Dacron swab cytology for anal HSIL detection in transgender women and gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men

BACKGROUND

An anal histological high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (hHSIL) is an anal cancer precursor. Experts recommend Dacron swab anal cytology as a primary screen for anal hHSILs, especially among human immunodeficiency virus-infected and -uninfected men who have sex with men (MSM). Studies have shown that Dacron cytology inaccurately predicts anal hHSILs and results in unnecessary diagnostic procedures. Nylon-flocked (NF) swabs have been shown to trap pathogens and cells well. Thus, this study compared test characteristics of anal cytology using NF and Dacron swab collection protocols to predict anal hHSILs.

METHODS

A single-visit, randomized clinical trial compared NF and Dacron swab anal cytology specimens to predict high-resolution anoscopy and biopsy-diagnosed anal hHSILs. Data for 326 gay men, bisexual men, other MSM, and male-to-female transgender women contributed descriptive and tabular statistics with which unadjusted and fully adjusted logistic regression models were constructed. The models estimated the odds of hHSILs, test accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]) and sensitivity, and specificity as well as the positive and negative predictive values of abnormal NF and Dacron cytology for predicting hHSILs.

RESULTS

In the fully adjusted model, the sensitivities for NF and Dacron cytology were nearly equal (48% vs 47%), but the specificity was higher with NF cytology (76% vs 69%). Comparisons of the areas under receiver operating characteristic curves showed that NF cytology alone predicted hHSILs better than the covariate model (AUC, 0.69 vs 0.63; P = .02), but NF and Dacron cytology comparisons showed no statistically significant differences (AUC, 0.69 vs 0.67; P = .3).

CONCLUSIONS

NF cytology and Dacron cytology provide modest sensitivity, but NF cytology has higher specificity and accuracy, and this is important for lowering the costs of population-based screening.

Anal High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions in Pharmacologically Immunocompromised Patients Followed in a Referral Center

BACKGROUND

Information is lacking regarding anal/perianal precancerous lesions in referral cohorts of pharmacologically immunocompromised patients.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of anal/perianal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions in a referral cohort of patients on immunomodulator/immunosuppressive medications, who were assessed and followed with high-resolution anoscopy.

DESIGN

This is a retrospective study.

SETTING

This study was conducted in a single anal neoplasia service from January 2012 to June 2017.

PATIENTS

Patients on chronic immunomodulator/immunosuppressive medications were included. Cases of concomitant immunosuppression due to HIV infection were excluded, and immunosuppression due to chemotherapy was not considered for this analysis.

INTERVENTION

High-resolution anoscopy was performed.

MAIN OUTCOME

The primary outcome measured was the prevalence of anal/perianal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions in a referral cohort of pharmacologically immunocompromised patients.

RESULTS

Fifty-four patients were included, of whom 40 were women (74%), with a mean age of 48 ± 17 years. A total of 232 high-resolution anoscopy examinations were performed in this cohort. At the first evaluation, 28 patients (52%) were diagnosed with anal and/or perianal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (including 2 cases of perianal squamous cell carcinoma); 11 cases (20%) were new diagnoses. Ten of 46 patients (22%) with follow-up developed a new lesion (high-grade/cancer) during a median follow-up period of 17 (interquartile range, 6-28) months. Overall, 37 patients (69%) in our cohort had anal/perianal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions ever diagnosed (including previous history, first visit, and follow-up); 5 patients had perianal squamous cell carcinoma. At our center, 6% of the new referrals were known to be pharmacologically immunocompromised patients.

LIMITATIONS

The retrospective nature of this study, the heterogeneity of the cohort, and the absence of human papillomavirus testing were limitations of this study.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of anal and/or perianal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions or cancer detected by high-resolution anoscopy in this referral population was high, and the detection of new lesions suggests that long-term follow-up is needed. Patients on immunomodulator/immunosuppressive drugs represented only a small percentage of the new referrals to our center. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A748.

High Prevalence of Anal Canal High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infection in Patients With Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The increasing incidence of anal canal carcinomas requires better knowledge on anal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. We aimed to assess anal canal HPV infection prevalence and risk factors among patients seen at a gastroenterology department in France.

METHODS

We analyzed anal tissue samples collected from 469 consecutive patients (median age 54 years, 52% women), including 112 who received immunosuppressant therapies and 101 with inflammatory bowel disease (70 with Crohn's disease), who underwent colonoscopy examinations from April 1, 2012 to April 30, 2015. HPV was detected and genotyped using the INNO-LiPA assay, and we collected medical and demographic data from all subjects. Risk factors for any HPV, high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) and HPV16 infection were assessed by bivariate and multivariate analysis. The primary outcomes association of HR-HPV or HPV16 with medical and demographic features.

RESULTS

We detected HPV DNA in anal tissues from 34% of the subjects and HR-HPV in 18%. HPV16 was the most prevalent genotype (detected in 7%), followed by HPV51, HPV52, and HPV39. HR-HPV was detected in a significantly higher proportion of samples from women (23.1%) than men (12.8%) (P = .0035); HR-HPV and HPV16 were detected in a significantly higher proportion of patients with Crohn's disease (30.0%) than without (18.1%) (P = .005). Female sex, history of sexually transmitted disease, lifetime and past year-number of sexual partners, active smoking, and immunosuppressive therapies were independent risk factors for anal HR-HPV infection in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

One third of patients who underwent colonoscopy at a gastroenterology department were found to have anal canal HPV infection. We detected HR-HPV infection in almost 20% of patients and in a significantly higher proportion of patients with Crohn's disease than without. Increasing our knowledge of HPV infection of anal tissues could help physicians identify populations at risk and promote prophylaxis with vaccination and adequate screening.

High Risk of Anal and Rectal Cancer in Patients With Anal and/or Perianal Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Little is known about the magnitude of the risk of anal and rectal cancer in patients with anal and/or perineal Crohn's disease. We aimed to assess the risk of anal and rectal cancer in patients with Crohn's perianal disease followed up in the Cancers Et Surrisque Associé aux Maladies Inflammatoires Intestinales En France (CESAME) cohort.

METHODS

We collected data from 19,486 patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) enrolled in the observational CESAME study in France, from May 2004 through June 2005; 14.9% of participants had past or current anal and/or perianal Crohn's disease. Subjects were followed up for a median time of 35 months (interquartile range, 29-40 mo). To identify risk factors for anal cancer in the total CESAME population, we performed a case-control study in which participants were matched for age and sex.

RESULTS

Among the total IBD population, 8 patients developed anal cancer and 14 patients developed rectal cancer. In the subgroup of 2911 patients with past or current anal and/or perianal Crohn's lesions at cohort entry, 2 developed anal squamous-cell carcinoma, 3 developed perianal fistula-related adenocarcinoma, and 6 developed rectal cancer. The corresponding incidence rates were 0.26 per 1000 patient-years for anal squamous-cell carcinoma, 0.38 per 1000 patient-years for perianal fistula-related adenocarcinoma, and 0.77 per 1000 patient-years for rectal cancer. Among the 16,575 patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease without anal or perianal lesions, the incidence rate of anal cancer was 0.08 per 1000 patient-years and of rectal cancer was 0.21 per 1000 patient-years. Among factors tested by univariate conditional regression (IBD subtype, disease duration, exposure to immune-suppressive therapy, presence of past or current anal and/or perianal lesions), the presence of past or current anal and/or perianal lesions at cohort entry was the only factor significantly associated with development of anal cancer (odds ratio, 11.2; 95% CI, 1.18-551.51; P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

In an analysis of data from the CESAME cohort in France, patients with anal and/or perianal Crohn's disease have a high risk of anal cancer, including perianal fistula-related cancer, and a high risk of rectal cancer.

A Pilot Study of the Prevalence of Anal Human Papillomavirus and Dysplasia in a Cohort of Patients With IBD

BACKGROUND

Defective cell-mediated immunity increases the risk of human papillomavirus-associated anal dysplasia and cancer. There is limited information on anal canal disease in patients with IBD.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess anal/vaginal human papillomavirus and anal dysplasia prevalence in patients with IBD.

DESIGN

Patients had an anal examination before routine colonoscopy.

SETTINGS

The study was conducted at a tertiary IBD referral center.

PATIENTS

We studied a convenience sample of sexually active male and female patients with IBD who were not on biological therapy.

INTERVENTION

Anal examination, anal and vaginal human papillomavirus testing, anal cytology, and high-resolution anoscopy/biopsy were carried out.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Anal and vaginal human papillomavirus types, anal cytology, and biopsy grade were measured.

RESULTS

Twenty-five male and 21 female evaluable participants, 31 with Crohn's disease, 14 with ulcerative colitis, and 1 with indeterminate colitis, were predominantly white (91.3%), treatment experienced (76.1%), an average age of 38.1 years (range, 22.0-66.0 y), and had an average length of IBD diagnosis of 9.3 years (range, 1.0-33.0 y). Eighteen (39.1%) had an abnormal perianal examination and 3 (6.5%) had an abnormal digital examination. Forty-one (89.1%) had anal human papillomavirus, 16 with a single type and 25 with multiple types (range, 2-5 types). Human papillomavirus type 16 was most common (65.2%), followed by human papillomavirus types 11 and 45 (37.0% each). Nineteen of 21 (90.5%) women had vaginal human papillomavirus. Overall, 21 (45.7%) had abnormal anal cytology. Thirty three (71.7%) had ≥1 anal biopsy (9 had multiple), with dysplasia diagnosed in 28 (60.9%) and high-grade and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions diagnosed in 4 (8.7%) and 24 (43.5%).

LIMITATIONS

No control group was included, and no detailed sexual history was taken.

CONCLUSIONS

A high prevalence of anal and vaginal human papillomavirus and anal dysplasia was demonstrated in the study population outcomes. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A379.

Receptive Anal Intercourse in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Clinical Review

Receptive anal intercourse and its association with sexually transmitted infections and human papillomavirus-related anal dysplasia has been well studied in various at-risk groups including men who have sex with men. However, the relationship between receptive anal intercourse and its potential complications in patients with inflammatory bowel disease is not fully understood. This narrative review discusses sexually transmitted infections and anal dysplasia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease who engage in receptive anal intercourse and the lack of evidence-based data to guide clinical practice. It addresses the psychosocial effects of stigmatization in these patients and its consequences in the clinical encounter. We review the need for sufficient data on infection, cancer prevention, and precoital and postcoital hygienic practices with hopes that future studies establish standardized guidelines and recommendations.

Anal Neoplasia in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Classification Proposal, Epidemiology, Carcinogenesis, and Risk Management Perspectives

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] may develop, similarly to individuals from general population, rare cases of human papilloma virus [HPV]-related anal canal squamous cell carcinoma [SCC] and intra-epithelial precursor lesions, as well as very rare cases of anal canal adenocarcinoma. Patients with chronic perianal Crohn's disease [CD] are at substantial risk of developing SCC or adenocarcinoma from the fistula-lining epithelium, as well as SCC or adenocarcinoma arising from chronic anorectal ulcerations or strictures. Based on this lesion stratification, we provide in this review tailored incidence estimates and we propose an IBD-specific classification of all types of anal neoplasia that may occur in patients with IBD. After reviewing putative carcinogenesis of all types of neoplasia, we conclude that HPV vaccination could reduce the incidence of HPV-related lesions, although an anal screening programme related to these lesions is not mandatory on the sole basis of IBD. By contrast, we point out that all patients with chronic perianal CD should be explored in depth, including biopsies under anaesthesia and fistula curettage when necessary, in case of any change in anal symptoms ─in particular new, increasing, unexplained pain. Finally, we conclude that there is an urgent need for elaborating and evaluating surveillance algorithms in patients with chronic perianal CD, in order to avoid cancers with late diagnosis and poor prognosis.

Malignant Melanoma of the Anus Found during Routine Colonoscopy in Ulcerative Colitis

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by recurrent or chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which results in increased risk of developing cancer. Anorectal malignant melanoma is often misdiagnosed as either hemorrhoids or benign anorectal conditions in inflammatory bowel disease. Therefore, the overall prognosis and survival of IBD are poor. To date, the best treatment strategy remains controversial. Only early diagnosis and complete excision yield survival benefit. Here, we report a 64-year-old woman with ulcerative colitis, who was found to have anal malignant melanoma on routine colonoscopy. The lesion was confined to the mucosa with no distant metastasis. She underwent complete trans-anal excision. There was no recurrence at the four-year follow-up. Physicians should be aware of increased risk of cancer development in IBD patients and remember the importance of meticulous inspection of the anal canal.

Long-standing Crohn's disease and its implication on anal squamous cell cancer management

BACKGROUND

Anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) is rare, accounting for only 1% of gastrointestinal malignancies. We sought to better understand management strategies for ASCC in the setting of Crohn's disease (CD).

METHODS

A retrospective chart review from 2001 to 2016 was conducted using ICD-9/10 codes for CD (555.9/K50) and ASCC (154.3/C44.520). Adult patients with a diagnosis of CD at the time of ASCC diagnosis were included.

RESULTS

Seven patients (five female) were included with a median age of 50 years. The majority presented with perianal pain (three) and bleeding (four). Mean duration of CD was 20 years. Five patients had active perianal fistulizing disease at the time of ASCC diagnosis. Clinical stage at diagnosis of ASCC was stage 0 (n = 1), stage I (n = 1), stage II (n = 1), stage III (n = 2), stage IV (n = 1), and unknown (n = 1). All patients were treated with radiation and chemotherapy. Three patients experienced complications during radiation therapy: fistulizing disease, stenotic disease, and flap necrosis. Two patients had persistent disease at 6 months; one patient underwent abdominoperineal resection (APR) and the other chemotherapy and radiation. Two patients developed locally residual and metastatic disease and died within 1 year of diagnosis. Five-year disease-free survival was 56%.

CONCLUSIONS

While the standard Nigro protocol remains standard of care in patients with ASCC, in the setting of CD, patients may be best approached as a case-by-case basis and may even require an operation first due to complications from radiation and aggressive nature of disease. Due to poor treatment outcomes, surveillance guidelines for this patient population are necessary.

Anal intraepithelial neoplasia: A review of diagnosis and management

Anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) is a premalignant lesion of the anal mucosa that is a precursor to anal cancer. Although anal cancer is relatively uncommon, rates of this malignancy are steadily rising in the United States, and among certain high risk populations the incidence of anal cancer may exceed that of colon cancer. Risk factors for AIN and anal cancer consist of clinical factors and behaviors that are associated with the acquisition and persistence of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. The strongest HPV-associated risk factors are HIV infection, receptive anal intercourse, and high risk sexual behavior. A history of HPV-mediated genital cancer, which suggests infection with an oncogenic HPV strain, is another risk factor for AIN/anal cancer. Because progression of AIN to anal cancer is known to occur in some individuals over several years, screening for AIN and early anal cancer, as well as treatment of advanced AIN lesions, is reasonable in certain high-risk populations. Although randomized controlled trials evaluating screening and treatment outcomes are lacking, experts support routine screening for AIN in high risk populations. Screening is performed using anal cytological exams, similar to those performed in cervical cancer screening programs, along with direct tissue evaluation and biopsy via high resolution anoscopy. AIN can be treated using topical therapies such as imiquimod, 5-flurouracil, and trichloroacetic acid, as well as ablative therapies such as electrocautery and laser therapy. Reductions in AIN and anal cancer rates have been shown in studies where high-risk populations were vaccinated against the oncogenic strains of HPV. Currently, the CDC recommends both high-risk and average-risk populations be vaccinated against HPV infection using the quadrivalent or nonavalent vaccines. It is important for clinicians to be familiar with AIN and the role of HPV vaccination, particularly in high risk populations.

Anal Neoplasia in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Is Associated With HPV and Perianal Disease

OBJECTIVES:

Literature describing the risk factors predisposing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients to anal squamous neoplasia is very scarce. Case reports and small case series have implicated perianal Crohn's disease (CD), long-standing IBD, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and immunosuppressive treatment. In this study, we retrospectively examined the association between HPV infection and anal squamous neoplastic lesions among IBD patients from our center.

METHODS:

We reviewed the pathology records and slides of IBD patients diagnosed with anal squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs), and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs) who presented at our center between 1 March 1994 and 9 September 2014. The HPV status of the neoplasms was assessed histologically, by immunohistochemical staining for p16 overexpression, and by global and type-specific HPV PCR.

RESULTS:

SCCs, HSILs, LSILs, and small cell carcinoma were identified, respectively, in six, nine, two, and one IBD patients. All six patients with SCC had CD with perianal involvement. HPV-related neoplasia was identified in 3/6 cases of SCC (all HPV-16), 1/1 small cell carcinoma (HPV-18), and 9/9 HSIL (7 HPV-16, 2 not typed); 2/2 LSILs were negative for high-risk HPV.

CONCLUSIONS:

In our experience, anal squamous neoplastic lesions in IBD are associated with HPV infection and SCC seem to be associated with perianal CD. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.