Anal Warts

• What Are Anal Warts?
• What Causes Anal Warts?
• What are the Symptoms of Anal Warts?
• How are Anal Warts Diagnosed?
• How are Anal Warts Treated?
• Will a Single Treatment Cure Anal Warts?

What Are Anal Warts?

Anal warts, also known as condyloma, are growths found on the skin around the anus (rectal opening), in the anal canal, or in the lower rectum.

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What Causes Anal Warts?

Anal warts are caused by the human papilloma virus, which is usually transmitted through sexual contact but not necessarily through anal intercourse. The same type of warts may occur on the penis, scrotum, vagina or labia. The time from exposure to the virus and growth of the warts is commonly from one to six months, but it can be longer. During that time the virus remains in the tissues but is inactive. There are many types of human papilloma virus; some cause warts on the hands and feet and others cause genital and anal warts.

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What are the Symptoms of Anal Warts?

Many patients with anal warts have no symptoms. Some patients may notice small growths in the anal area. Others have minor complaints of itching, occasional bleeding, or moisture in the anal area.

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How are Anal Warts Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made by the doctor, who inspects the skin around the anus and checks the anal canal with an anoscope (a short instrument inserted into the anus).

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How are Anal Warts Treated?

There are several ways anal warts can be treated, depending on the location, number, and size of the warts. If the warts are small, they can be treated with podophyllin or bichloracetic acid, which are solutions applied directly to the warts intended to cause exfoliation of the warts. This is an office procedure that takes just a few minutes. Another form of treatment is cauterization. The area is numbed with local anesthesia before the warts are burned off. If there are numerous warts, the doctor may choose to remove them surgically. This is done as a same-day procedure in a hospital or day surgery center.

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Will a Single Treatment Cure Anal Warts?

In most cases, a single treatment will not cure anal warts. Close follow-up is critical because the virus may continue to be present and cause new anal warts to form. Even after there are no visible warts, the virus may remain in the tissue. Small warts that reappear are easily treated in the office. Follow-up visits are necessary even after there are no visible warts. Visits may be necessary for up to six months. There is a possibility of serious problems if the warts are left untreated. On rare occasions, these warts can become cancerous, so it is important to keep the follow-up appointments the doctor suggests.

How Can the Spread of Anal Warts be Prevented? There are several ways to prevent this virus from spreading:

1. Sexual partners should be checked.
2. Refrain from sexual activity until treatment is completed.
3. Use condoms. They offer some, but not complete, protection. Because anal warts are highly contagious, you will lessen your chance of recurrence if these suggestions are followed.

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