Anal Warts/ Genital Warts- Symptoms and Diagnosis

Anal warts/ Genital warts- What are they?

Anal warts or anal condyloma are growths involving the skin surrounding the anal area or within the anal canal.

Just like other Genital Warts, they are a manifestation of a skin infection with HPV or Human Papilloma Virus.

There are several subtypes of this virus, most of which do not necessarily lead to cancer.  90% are caused by HPV types 6 or 11. One can occasionally  find other types usually as a co-infection and can be associated with precancerous lesions referred to as high-grade squamous intraepithelial changes (HSIL).

Patients who have a weakened immune system (on chemotherapy or have  HIV for example) are particularly susceptible.

So what are the symptoms of anal warts.

Depending on their size and location, genital warts / anal warts or anal condyloma can be without symptoms or present with growth that may by itchy or painful. If irritated, anal warts may also bleed.

Anal warts can also be found inside the anal canal hidden from sight. Persons who have had receptive anal intercourse (anal sex) often exhibit these. One can also observe them in men and women without a history of anal sexual contact.

Diagnosis

So how do you know if you have anal warts or hemorrhoids?

Our doctors at Hemorrhoid Center (North Scottsdale Hemorrhoid Treatment Center) can diagnose anal warts (anal condyloma) / Genital warts by visual inspection. Occasionally, biopsy is indicated if the appearance is not typical or the diagnosis is not certain.

Since many have internal anal warts,  anoscopy should be performed to determine the best treatment option(s).