Anal Warts - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis And Treatnent

Anal warts are small warts that can occur inside and around the anus. The condition is also called condyloma acuminata. Anal warts are a form of genital warts.

In most cases, the warts do not cause discomfort or pain, so infected individuals may not know that the warts exist. If left untreated, anal warts can spread to cover the entire anal area.

Causes?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 90 percent of genital warts begin with infection by the human papilloma virus (HPV) (CDC). HPV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI.)

Transmission of HPV can occur even if warts are not visible. It is spread by direct contact with the anus, mouth, penis, or vagina of an infected person. 

Intercourse is not necessary to spread the infection. It can be transmitted by skin-to-skin contact.

Genital warts can be spread easily. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) warns that as many as two thirds of those who have had intimate contact with an infected sexual partner will develop warts within three months of the initial contact (NIAID).

Who Is at Risk for Anal Warts?

You are at an increased risk for contracting and spreading anal warts if you:

·         participate in unprotected sex with more than one partner

·         participate in anal intercourse

·         have had sex or intimate contact with an infected person

·         have sex at an early age

·         use tobacco or smoke

·         drink alcohol

·         are pregnant

·         have an immune system that is compromised by illness or medication

Symptoms?

In many cases, anal warts may remain unnoticed. They often occur without pain or discomfort. Anal warts are found inside and around the area of the anus.

Anal warts start as small bumps that may be no larger than the head of a pin. Initially, they may be too small to be noticed. As they grow, they can develop a cauliflower-appearance when several are clustered together. They may be flesh-colored, yellow, pink, or light brown.

Since the virus that causes anal warts also causes genital warts, warts may occur on other parts of the body at the same time. In women, they 

may appear on the vulva, vagina, or cervix. In men, genital warts can develop on the penis, scrotum, thighs, or groin. They may also grow on the mouth or throat of an infected person.

Though rare, other symptoms of anal warts can include itching, bleeding, or discharge from the anus. An infected person also may have the sensation of having a lump in the anal area.

Diagnosis

A physician can diagnose anal warts by visual examination. During the examination, some physicians apply acetic acid (vinegar) to the bumps. This causes the bumps to turn white and become more visible. However, it is not a specific test to detect the virus.

An examination for anal warts involves an internal examination with an anoscope to look for warts inside the anal canal. A full examination of the pelvic region to look for other forms of genital warts also is recommended. For women, this may include a Pap smear.

Diagnosis also can be made with a biopsy of the warts. This may be used to confirm a diagnosis when warts don’t respond to initial therapy.

Treatment

Left untreated, anal warts may lead to an increased risk of cancer. The choice of treatment depends on the number and location of warts, patient preference, and provider experience.

For warts that are very small and limited to the outer area of the anus, treatment with a topical medication may be adequate. However, a prescription medication intended for anal warts must be used. Over-the-counter wart removers are not intended for use in the anal or genital area.

For larger warts that don’t respond to topical treatments or anal warts located inside the anal canal, surgical options may be more effective. 

Surgical treatment of anal warts is typically performed on an outpatient basis. A special tool is used to cut off the warts. A local anesthetic is normally used. If the number and location of anal warts is extensive, general or spinal anesthesia may be necessary.

Depending on the severity and location of anal warts, other treatment options include:

·         Cryotherapy: liquid nitrogen is used to freeze the warts. After freezing, a blister forms around the wart. The blister and the wart fall off as the skin heals.

·         Electrocautery: an electric current is used to burn off warts.

·         Laser treatments: energy from an intense light. This technique is often limited to use for difficult cases.

After surgical treatment of anal warts, most patients are uncomfortable for a few days. Pain medication may be prescribed. Ability to work or perform normal activities varies depending on the extent of treatment used.

Prognosis

If warts are extensive, treatment may be administered in stages. Recurrent warts are common. The virus can remain dormant in concealed tissues, only to appear months later with the growth of a new wart. Follow-up visits and treatments may be necessary for several months to ensure that no new warts exist.

Prevention

Anal warts can recur even after seemingly successful treatment. Since individuals may not know that they have anal warts, patients should encourage partners to be tested for HPV even if they don’t have symptoms. This can help prevent the risk of reinfection.

The possibility of infection can be reduced by abstaining from sexual contact, using condoms, or limiting sexual contact to one partner. After treatment for anal warts, reevaluation for recurrent warts may be recommended at regular intervals.

Original Article:     Anal Warts