BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuAnoscopy and high-resolution anoscopyAnal fissures - anoscopy; Anal polyps - anoscopy; Foreign object in the anus - anoscopy; Hemorrhoids - anoscopy; Anal warts - anoscopy; Anal cancer - anoscopyAnoscopy is a method to look at the: Anus Anal canal Lower rectum How the Test is Performed The procedure is usually done in a health care provider's office.A digital anorectal examination (DARE) is done first. Then, a lubricated instrument called an anoscope is placed a few inches or centimeters into the rectum. You will feel some discomfort when this is done.The anoscope has a light on the end, so your health care provider can see the entire area. High-resolution anoscopy (HRA) uses an additional magnifying device called a colposcope. This device allows for a closer examination of the tissues to detect small changes. HRA may be used to help detect abnormal cells in your anal lining. A sample for biopsy can be taken, if needed.BiopsyA rectal biopsy is a procedure to remove a small piece of tissue from the rectum for examination.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article How to Prepare for the Test Often, there is no preparation needed. Or, you may receive a laxative, enema, or other preparation to empty your bowel. You should empty your bladder before the procedure. Your provider may suggest that you avoid anal penetration and anal medicines or products before the procedure. How the Test will Feel There will be some discomfort during the procedure. You may feel the need to have a bowel movement. You may feel a pinch when a biopsy is taken. You can usually return to normal activities after the procedure. Why the Test is Performed This test may be used to determine whether you have:Anal fissures (small split or tear in the lining of the anus) Anal fissuresAn anal fissure is a small split or tear in the thin moist tissue (mucosa) lining the lower rectum (anus).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Anal polyps (growth on the lining of the anus) Anal polypsA colorectal polyp is a growth on the lining of the colon or rectum.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Foreign object in the anus Hemorrhoids (swollen veins in the anus) HemorrhoidsHemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus or lower part of the rectum.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Infection Inflammation Tumors Abnormal growth of cells (dysplasia) Anal cancerAnal cancerAnal cancer is cancer that starts in the anus. The anus is the opening at the end of your rectum. The rectum is the last part of your large intesti...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Anoscopy and HRA may also be used as a yearly screening test for anal cancer in people with HIV.HIVHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). When a person becomes infected with HIV, the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Normal Results The anal canal appears normal in size, color, and tone. There is no sign of: Bleeding Polyps Hemorrhoids Other abnormal tissue What Abnormal Results Mean Abnormal results may include:Abscess (collection of pus in the anus) AbscessAn abscess is a collection of pus in any part of the body. In most cases, the area around an abscess is swollen and inflamed.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fissures Foreign object in the anus Hemorrhoids Infection Inflammation Polyps (non-cancerous or cancerous) Tumors or dysplasia Risks There are few risks. If a biopsy is needed, there is a slight risk for bleeding and mild pain.Open ReferencesReferencesBeard JM, Osborn J. Common office procedures. In: Rakel RE, Rakel DP, eds. Textbook of Family Medicine. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 28.Clinicalinfo.hiv.gov website. Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections in Adults and Adolescents With HIV. clinicalinfo.hiv.gov/en/guidelines/hiv-clinical-guidelines-adult-and-adolescent-opportunistic-infections/human?view=full. Updated July 9, 2024. Accessed August 2, 2024.Downs JM, Kulow B. Anal diseases. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 129.Reynolds PL, Wilkins T. Anoscopy. In: Fowler GC, ed. Pfenninger and Fowler's Procedures for Primary Care. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 83.AllVideoImagesTogRectal biopsy - illustration Rectal biopsy can be used to determine the cause of blood, mucus, or pus in the stool. Rectal biopsy can also confirm findings of another test or x-rays, or take a biopsy of a growth found in the colon.Rectal biopsyillustrationRectal biopsy - illustration Rectal biopsy can be used to determine the cause of blood, mucus, or pus in the stool. Rectal biopsy can also confirm findings of another test or x-rays, or take a biopsy of a growth found in the colon.Rectal biopsyillustration Tests for Anoscopy and high-resolution anoscopy Anoscopy and high-resolution anoscopyRelated Information Hemorrhoids(Condition)Anal fissure(Condition)Abscess(Condition)Colorectal polyps(Condition) Review Date: 8/15/2024 Reviewed By: Debra G. Wechter, MD, FACS, General Surgery Practice Specializing in Breast Cancer, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Editorial update 08/15/2024. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. 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Anoscopy and high-resolution anoscopyAnal fissures - anoscopy; Anal polyps - anoscopy; Foreign object in the anus - anoscopy; Hemorrhoids - anoscopy; Anal warts - anoscopy; Anal cancer - anoscopyAnoscopy is a method to look at the: Anus Anal canal Lower rectum How the Test is Performed The procedure is usually done in a health care provider's office.A digital anorectal examination (DARE) is done first. Then, a lubricated instrument called an anoscope is placed a few inches or centimeters into the rectum. You will feel some discomfort when this is done.The anoscope has a light on the end, so your health care provider can see the entire area. High-resolution anoscopy (HRA) uses an additional magnifying device called a colposcope. This device allows for a closer examination of the tissues to detect small changes. HRA may be used to help detect abnormal cells in your anal lining. A sample for biopsy can be taken, if needed.BiopsyA rectal biopsy is a procedure to remove a small piece of tissue from the rectum for examination.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article How to Prepare for the Test Often, there is no preparation needed. Or, you may receive a laxative, enema, or other preparation to empty your bowel. You should empty your bladder before the procedure. Your provider may suggest that you avoid anal penetration and anal medicines or products before the procedure. How the Test will Feel There will be some discomfort during the procedure. You may feel the need to have a bowel movement. You may feel a pinch when a biopsy is taken. You can usually return to normal activities after the procedure. Why the Test is Performed This test may be used to determine whether you have:Anal fissures (small split or tear in the lining of the anus) Anal fissuresAn anal fissure is a small split or tear in the thin moist tissue (mucosa) lining the lower rectum (anus).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Anal polyps (growth on the lining of the anus) Anal polypsA colorectal polyp is a growth on the lining of the colon or rectum.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Foreign object in the anus Hemorrhoids (swollen veins in the anus) HemorrhoidsHemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus or lower part of the rectum.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Infection Inflammation Tumors Abnormal growth of cells (dysplasia) Anal cancerAnal cancerAnal cancer is cancer that starts in the anus. The anus is the opening at the end of your rectum. The rectum is the last part of your large intesti...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Anoscopy and HRA may also be used as a yearly screening test for anal cancer in people with HIV.HIVHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). When a person becomes infected with HIV, the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Normal Results The anal canal appears normal in size, color, and tone. There is no sign of: Bleeding Polyps Hemorrhoids Other abnormal tissue What Abnormal Results Mean Abnormal results may include:Abscess (collection of pus in the anus) AbscessAn abscess is a collection of pus in any part of the body. In most cases, the area around an abscess is swollen and inflamed.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fissures Foreign object in the anus Hemorrhoids Infection Inflammation Polyps (non-cancerous or cancerous) Tumors or dysplasia Risks There are few risks. If a biopsy is needed, there is a slight risk for bleeding and mild pain.Open ReferencesReferencesBeard JM, Osborn J. Common office procedures. In: Rakel RE, Rakel DP, eds. Textbook of Family Medicine. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 28.Clinicalinfo.hiv.gov website. Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections in Adults and Adolescents With HIV. clinicalinfo.hiv.gov/en/guidelines/hiv-clinical-guidelines-adult-and-adolescent-opportunistic-infections/human?view=full. Updated July 9, 2024. Accessed August 2, 2024.Downs JM, Kulow B. Anal diseases. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 129.Reynolds PL, Wilkins T. Anoscopy. In: Fowler GC, ed. Pfenninger and Fowler's Procedures for Primary Care. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 83.
