What to know about anal warts Warts surgery According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), high-risk HPV strains are believed to be responsible for 10% of occurrences of anal warts.
Anal cancer is also more likely to be brought on by these strains. Anal warts do not frequently signal the presence of malignancy, nevertheless.
Symptoms are not usually present with anal warts. Small growths and bumps around the area might be seen, along with some bleeding.
We describe how to recognise anal warts and when to see a doctor in this post. We also go over the available therapies.
Symptoms:
Anal warts are typically painless, and some people aren’t even aware they have them. If symptoms do materialise, they might comprise:
hemorrhagic sores that are typically light brown or skin-colored growths around the anus that resemble small cauliflowers and are close to or inside the anal entrance. The sores give the impression that there is a tumour or something similar in the anal area.
Hemorrhoids and anal warts can sometimes be confused.
Causes:
There are numerous forms of the virus called HPV, which produces anal warts.
The CDC estimates that HPV types 6 or 11 are to blame for 90%Trusted Source of anal warts. These strains can also result in warts on other body parts, such as the lips, nose, and eyes.
The CDC also mentions that researchers link lesions that could progress to cancer to the HPV strains 16,
The majority of the time, having receptive anal contact with an HPV-positive person results in the development of anal warts.
Through hand-to-anal contact or exposure to bodily fluids that contain the virus, the virus can also spread and result in anal warts.
Are anal warts contagious?
Anal warts can spread quickly, especially when there is an outbreak. It’s also important to remember that HPV is infectious even when it doesn’t result in warts.
The virus can spread from one person to another even when they are receiving treatment for anal warts.
HIV patients and those with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to infections. In the event that they are exposed to the virus, they might consequently be at an increased risk of developing HPV.
A person with HIV might want to discuss HPV risk reduction strategies with their doctor. This can entail going to routine screenings.
Diagnosis:
An examination of the anus by a medical professional can identify anal warts. To inspect the interior of the anal canal and determine whether warts are present there, they may use a medical device called an anoscope.
Usually, a doctor can identify anal warts via a visual examination of any growths.
For additional testing, a doctor could want a biopsy, or a sample of wart tissue. If the warts are not responding to treatment or are becoming worse despite treatment, they can ask for this.
Treatment:
Depending on the quantity, size, and presence of any symptoms, a doctor may suggest a variety of treatment methods for anal warts.
Sometimes the virus that caused the warts to appear is cleared by the body, or they disappear on their own. If the outbreak is minor and the patient is hesitant to begin treatment right once, the doctor could advise waiting to see what occurs.
It is significant to remember that HPV can remain dormant in the body for years, and that anal warts can recur even after a person receives therapy.
When a doctor suggests a course of action, they could carry out or prescribe:
A doctor could recommend a topical medicine to kill the warts if the symptoms, such as rectal bleeding or ulcers, are mild or if the warts are only a tiny size.
These therapies include, as examples:
Cream or gel containing imiquimod 3.75% (Zyclara) or 5% (Aldara) and podofilox 0.5% (Condylox)
15% sinecatechins topical cream (Veregen).
Although there are over-the-counter wart treatments available, they shouldn’t be applied to the anal area because the skin there is so thin. Use only medically recommended therapies, and pay close attention to the directions.