Anogenital Dysplasia Symptoms

Most people with anogenital dysplasia have no symptoms. Symptoms affecting the anus or genitals can include:

• Abnormal discharge
• Bleeding
• Itching 
• Lump or small growth
• Persistent pain that lasts longer than three to four weeks 

Anogenital Dysplasia Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing anogenital dysplasia. Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will develop it. Some people with no risk factors develop anogenital dysplasia.

You may have an elevated risk of anogenital dysplasia if you have:

Anogenital Dysplasia Types

Types of anogenital dysplasia include:

Anogenital Dysplasia Grades

Doctors categorize cases of anogenital dysplasia into two different grades:

• Low-grade anogenital dysplasia: This type of dysplasia often leaves the body on its own and is unlikely to turn into cancer. Anogenital warts are a type of low-grade anogenital dysplasia.
• High-grade anogenital dysplasia: These abnormal cells are unlikely to resolve without treatment and have the potential to develop into cancer over time.

Preventing Anogenital Dysplasia

The best way to prevent anogenital dysplasia is to reduce your risk of getting HPV. Measures to avoid HPV include:

• Getting the HPV vaccine: Vaccination is the primary way to avoid HPV infection.
• Abstaining or having safer sex: Not having sex or using a barrier method, such as a condom, during sex helps prevent HPV.
• Getting regular cervical cancer screening tests: If a Pap test detects abnormal cells or HPV test is abnormal, you may need additional testing. Early knowledge that you have HPV gives us a better chance to successfully treat HPV-related conditions such as anogenital dysplasia.
• Quitting smoking: Smoking can make HPV linger in the body. If you don’t smoke, there’s a better chance that the virus will leave your body on its own.

A Pap smear detects abnormal changes in anal or genital cells, which may indicate HPV.  An HPV test detects HPV, which can lead to anogenital dysplasia.

This procedure uses a colposcope (a high resolution microscope with a light and magnifying lenses) to examine the vulva, vagina, and cervix.   

Similar to a colposcopy, this procedure allows your doctor to examine the anus using an anoscope and a high-resolution microscope (a hollow tube with lights and a high-resolution microscope).  

During a colposcopy or high-resolution anoscopy, your doctor may remove some tissue samples. A pathologist looks at the tissues under a microscope to determine if the cells are normal or abnormal.