AIN treatment : Anal Intraepithelial Neoplasia

The aim of treatment for AIN is to reduce the risk of abnormal cells turning into anal cancer. Treatment does not mean that you will never get anal cancer. Once the abnormal cells are gone, there is always a risk of you getting AIN again. You will have to return for check-ups.
AIN can be on the inside or the outside of the anus.
Several treatments are possible. The doctor will talk to you about the treatment that is best for you.

There are several treatments available for inside the anus. The doctor will talk to you about the treatment that is best for you.

Electrocoagulation

Electrocoagulation is the most common treatment, where the doctor uses a kind of heat pen to burn away the mucous membrane containing abnormal cells. For this treatment, you will be given an anaesthetic.

• You will have 2 treatments with 12 weeks in between.
• 12 weeks after the second treatment, you will have an appointment with the doctor for another AIN examination.
• The skin or mucous membrane may bleed a little after each treatment. This may last for a few days. After the treatment, you will be given a sanitary pad to absorb the blood.
• You may see blood in your stools on the toilet paper for 2 weeks after the treatment. This is nothing to worry about and will soon stop.

Call the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic if you bleed for more than 2 weeks or if you lose a lot of blood.

Cream

• You will be given a special cream. The doctor will tell you when and how to use the cream.

Trichloroacetic acid

• The doctor applies trichloroacetic acid to the mucous membrane. This is done 4 times. There are 4 weeks in between each time.

After the treatment

• After the treatment, you can do everything you normally do.
• After electrocoagulation, it takes 2 weeks for the wounds to heal.
• Do not have anal sex for 1 week.
  The wounds can make it easier for you to get an STI or infection. You should use a condom until the wounds have healed.

There are several treatments available for outside the anus. The doctor will talk to you about the treatment that is best for you.

Electrocoagulation

Electrocoagulation is the most common treatment, where the doctor uses a kind of heat pen to burn away the mucous membrane containing abnormal cells. For this treatment, you will be given an anaesthetic.

• You will have 2 treatments with 12 weeks in between.
• 12 weeks after the second treatment, you will have an appointment with the doctor for another AIN examination.

Cream

• You will use imiquimod cream (Aldara) on the outside of the anus for 16 weeks in a row. This cream makes cells grow less quickly.
• The cream may make you feel a little tired or like you have the flu. It may also irritate the anus a little.

Cryosurgery

• You will have 5 cryosurgery treatments where the doctor freezes the mucous membrane.
• There are 6 weeks between each one.

If you and your doctor choose not to do treatment, you will come for a check-up once a year for an AIN examination.
You can choose to start treatment anytime.