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Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2022; 35(05): 396-401
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1746188
Review Article

Anal Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions and Anal Cancer Management in Low Resource Settings

Alexander T. Hawkins
1   Department of Surgery, Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
,
Sandy H. Fang
2   Department of Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
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Abstract

A low resource setting (LRS) is defined as a health care system which does not meet the criteria defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) or other national/international organizations in the following areas: infrastructure, materials, and human resources.1 Patients encounter barriers which limit their access to care and services that are considered standard of care. While LRS is most commonly associated with developing countries, it is easy to overlook communities in developed countries which lack the financial resources to afford basic health care. This article describes the societal implications and barriers to care for both squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs) and anal cancer in LRS, the existing screening/surveillance approaches, available treatment approaches to anal cancer, and it also discusses potential evidence-based approaches to bridge the gap for these disparities in anal cancer care.

Keywords

squamous intraepithelial lesions - anal cancer - high-resolution anoscopy


Publication History

Article published online:
13 September 2022

© 2022. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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