In the last years, the prevalence of HPV infection in the anal region has increased, especially in some groups like homosexual and HIV-positive people. Since this infection can be associated with the development of squamous anal cancer due to its progression from HPV infection to anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) and finally to cancer, the screening and evaluation of these conditions are important. Anal cytology and high resolution anoscopy are good methods that are available and can be used. Although useful, these methods should be performed correctly and not indiscriminately in all patients. Patients for whom anal cytology screening is recommended are: HIV-infected patients, homosexuals, women who present with high-grade vulvar squamous intraepithelial neoplasia, vulvar cancer or cervical cancer. An abnormal anal cytology should be further evaluated with high resolution anoscopy. Keywords: anal canal; papillomavirus infections; cell biology; carcinoma in situ.identify these pre-invasive lesions is being questioned. Such questions relate to the groups to be screened and the best way to implement it such screening. The purpose of this study was to review the literature about the use of anal cytology and anoscopy to screening and evaluation of anal intraepithelial neoplasia. ANAL CYTOLOGYAnal cytology is a noninvasive method of screening, which is performed primarily by anal secretion collection through a brush (Dacron swab) introduced into the anal canal and removed with gentle rotation movements. It is indicated to avoid anal sex and douching in the day before the procedure, since these practices can decrease cellular recovery. Special caution should be taken for not touching anal canal warts and rectum walls with the brush to avoid any fecal contamination.

In the last years, the prevalence of HPV infection in the anal region has increased, especially in some groups like homosexual and HIV-positive people. Since this infection can be associated with the development of squamous anal cancer due to its progression from HPV infection to anal intraepi-thelial neoplasia (AIN) and finally to cancer, the screening and evaluation of these conditions are important. Anal cytology and high resolution anoscopy are good methods that are available and can be used. Although useful, these methods should be performed correctly and not indiscriminately in all patients. Patients for whom anal cytology screening is recommended are: HIV-infected patients, homosexuals, women who present with high-grade vulvar squamous intraepithelial neoplasia, vul-var cancer or cervical cancer. An abnormal anal cytology should be further evaluated with high resolution anoscopy. Keywords: anal canal; papillomavirus infections; cell biology; carcinoma in situ. identify these pre-invasive lesions is being questioned. Such questions relate to the groups to be screened and the best way to implement it such screening. The purpose of this study was to review the literature about the use of anal cytology and anoscopy to screening and evaluation of anal intraepithelial neoplasia. ANAL CYTOLOGY Anal cytology is a noninvasive method of screening , which is performed primarily by anal secretion collection through a brush (Dacron swab) introduced into the anal canal and removed with gentle rotation movements. It is indicated to avoid anal sex and douching in the day before the procedure, since these practices can decrease cellular recovery. Special caution should be taken for not touching anal canal warts and rectum walls with the brush to avoid any fecal contamination.