WHAT ARE ANAL WARTS?
The human papilloma virus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD), causes anal warts. The warts affect the area around and inside the anus, but may also develop on the skin of the genital area. They first appear as tiny spots or growths, often as small as a pinhead. They can grow quite large and cover the entire anal area. Usually, they do not cause pain or discomfort to affected individuals. As a result, patients may be unaware that the warts are present. Some patients will experience symptoms such as itching, bleeding, mucus discharge and/or a feeling of a lump or mass in the anal area.
WHAT CAUSES THESE WARTS?
Sexual intercourse is a common way to get infected with HPV. However, a person can become infected with HPV without having sexual intercourse. Any direct contact to the anal area (e.g. hand contact, fluids from an infected sexual partner) can cause HPV and anal or genital warts.
DO THESE WARTS ALWAYS NEED TO BE REMOVED?
Yes. If they are not removed, the warts usually grow larger and multiply. If left untreated, the warts may lead to an increased risk of cancer in the affected area.
WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?
- Topical medication: These creams usually work best if the warts are very small and located only on the skin around the anus.
- Topical medications that will freeze the warts
- Topical medications that will burn the warts
- Surgery: When the warts are either too large for the above-mentioned treatments or are internal, surgery is considered. During surgery, the warts are surgically removed. The patient will be anesthetized for the procedure. The type of anesthetic depends on the number and exact location of the warts being removed. When there are many warts, your surgeon may perform the surgery in stages. An internal examination will also be performed so that any lesions on the inside can also be found and treated.
MUST I BE HOSPITALIZED FOR SURGICAL TREATMENT?
No. Surgical treatment of anal warts is usually performed as outpatient surgery.
HOW MUCH TIME WILL I LOSE FROM WORK AFTER SURGICAL TREATMENT?
Most people are moderately uncomfortable for a few days after treatment and pain medication may be prescribed. Depending on the extent of the disease, some people return to work the next day, while others may remain out of work for several days.
WILL A SINGLE TREATMENT CURE THE PROBLEM?
Recurrent warts are common. The virus that causes the warts can live conceal led in tissues that appear normal for several months before another wart develops. As new warts develop, they usually can be treated in the physician's office. Sometimes new warts develop so rapidly that office treatment would be quite uncomfortable. In these situations, a second and occasionally third outpatient surgical visit may be recommended.
HOW LONG IS TREATMENT USUALLY CONTINUED?
Follow-up visits are necessary at frequent intervals for severa l months after the last wart is observed to be certain that no new warts occur.
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO AVOID GETTING THESE WARTS AGAIN?
Warts may come back repeatedly after successful removal. This happens because the HPV virus stays inactive for a period of time in body tissues. When warts come back, they can usually be treated at your surgeon's office. If a large number of new warts develop quickly, surgery may be needed again.
It is important to discuss with your surgeon how often to schedule follow-up visits. During these visits, an exam will be done to make sure that all the warts are gone and no new ones have formed.
WHO IS A COLON & RECTAL SURGEON?
Colon and rectal surgeons are experts in the surgical and non-surgical treatment of diseases of the colon, rectum and anus. They have completed advanced surgical training in the treatment of these diseases as well as full general surgical training. They are well-versed in the treatment of both benign and malignant diseases of the colon, rectum and anus and are able to perform routine screening examinations and surgically treat conditions.
