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.
What
Causes Anal Warts?
Anal
warts are caused by the human papilloma
virus (HPV), 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 significantly
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. The (HPV) which causes
warts on hands and feet does not
cause genital warts, and genital
wars do not spread to the hands and
feet.
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.
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).
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 , a solution
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.
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 1-2 years. 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:
- Sexual
partners should be checked.
- Refrain
from sexual activity until treatment
is completed.
- 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.
|
