Anal warts (also called "condyloma acuminata")
are a condition that affects the area around and inside the
anus. They may also affect the skin of the genital area. They
first appear as tiny spots or growths, perhaps as small as the
head of a pin, and may grow larger than the size of a pea.
Usually, they do not cause pain or discomfort to afflicted
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.
Anal warts, thought to be caused by the
human papilloma virus, can grow larger and spread if not
removed.
What causes these warts?
They are thought to be caused by the human
papilloma virus (HPV) which is transmitted from person to person
by direct contact. HPV is considered a sexually transmitted
disease. You do not have to have anal intercourse to develop
anal condyloma.
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?
If warts are very small and are located only on
the skin around the anus, they may be treated with a topical
medication. They may also be treated by a physician by freezing
the warts with liquid nitrogen. Warts may also be removed
surgically. Surgery provides immediate results but must be
performed using either a local anesthetic - such as novocaine -
or a general or spinal anesthetic, depending on the number and
exact location of warts being treated. Warts inside the anal
canal usually are not suitable for treatment by medications, and
in most cases need to be treated surgically.
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 concealed 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 several 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?
In some cases, warts may recur repeatedly after
successful removal, since the virus that causes the warts often
persists in a dormant state in body tissues. Discuss with you
physician how often you should be evaluated for recurrent warts.
Abstain from sexual contact with individuals who have anal (or
genital) warts. Since many individuals may be unaware that they
suffer from this condition, sexual abstinence, condom protection
or limiting sexual contact to single partner will reduce your
potential exposure to the contagious virus that causes these
warts. As a precaution, sexual partners ought to be checked,
even if they have no symptoms.
