Risk of dysplasia in anal condyloma

Recent studies suggest an alarming incidence of dysplasia in homosexuals with anal condyloma. The purpose of our study was to determine the incidence of dysplasia in anal condyloma in our male patients and to determine risk factors for premalignant or malignant change.

Between 1986 and 1994, 103 male patients were referred to our colorectal clinic for evaluation of anal condyloma. Ninety-one patients had biopsy for pathology and form the basis of this report. All charts were reviewed and results analyzed using the chi-squared test with the Yates correction factor.

Mean patient age was 31 +/- 11 years (range, 13 to 78 years) and mean duration of disease was 20 +/- 26 months (range, 2 to 120 months). There were 59 heterosexuals and 32 homosexuals/bisexuals. Two heterosexuals (3%) had invasive squamous cell carcinoma and four (6%) had dysplasia. One homosexual/bisexual (3%) had squamous cell carcinoma in situ and nine (28%) had dysplasia (p < 0.05). Statistical analysis revealed that HIV seropositive status and disease location above the dentate line also predicted increased risk of dysplasia, whereas duration of disease, previous topical therapy, substance abuse, and other sexually transmitted diseases were not significant risk factors.

Homosexual orientation, disease above the dentate line and HIV seropositivity increase the risk of dysplasia in perianal condyloma. The incidence of dysplasia in perianal condyloma is significant enough to warrant consideration of biopsy in all patients.