Infrared Coagulation in Preventing Anal Cancer in Patients With HIV Who Have Anal Neoplasia

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: HIV positive Presence of internal anal lesions with histologically confirmed high-grade squamous intraepithelial neoplasia with at least 1 positive margin No more than 3 lesions, each no more than 10 mm in diameter No evidence of microscopic invasion in any anal biopsy specimens No history of anal cancer PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age Over 18 Performance status Karnofsky 70-100% Life expectancy Not specified Hematopoietic Platelet count at least 50,000/mm^3 CD4 count at least 50 cells/mm^3 Hepatic Not specified Renal Not specified Other Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception No allergy to lidocaine No anal insertions, including enemas or anal intercourse, for 24 hours before and at least 1 week after study treatment No prior severe photosensitivity reaction No active opportunistic infection No concurrent neoplasia requiring cytotoxic therapy PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy Not specified Chemotherapy Not specified Endocrine therapy Not specified Radiotherapy Not specified Surgery Not specified Other Must be on stable regimen of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for at least 12 weeks prior to study entry unless CD4 count > 200/mm^3 AND no plans to initiate HAART within the next 3 months More than 14 days since prior acute treatment for an infection or other medical illness No prior infrared coagulation for anal dysplasia