Benign anal lesions and anal cancer

To the Editor: Frisch et al. (Aug. 4 issue)¹ examined the association between benign anal lesions and the risk of anal cancer. To evaluate this association further in different racial groups, we used a data base generated from computerized discharge records for inpatient visits at Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals across the United States, as described elsewhere.² Benign anal lesions were identified on the basis of the following discharge codes in the International Classification of Diseases (8th Revision, Adapted, and 9th Revision, Clinical Modification): anal fissure (code 565.0), anal fistula (code 565.1), perianal abscess (code 566), and hemorrhoids (code 455). Patients.  . .