HIV/AIDS Glossary

A procedure that examines the lining of the anus, anal canal, and lower part of the rectum. During a standard anoscopy, a health care provider inserts a lighted tube into the anus to look for signs of injury or disease. During a high-resolution anoscopy, a lighted tube and a magnifying device are used to look more closely for abnormal areas of tissue. A small tissue sample may be removed for further examination. This is called a biopsy. An anoscopy can help diagnose conditions such as anal cancer or hemorrhoids.