Anal Warts
Anal warts are lesions in and around your anus. They’re caused by human papilloma virus (HPV), which is spread through sexual or skin-to-skin contact. While anal warts affect the area around and inside the anus, they may also develop on the skin of the genital area. They first appear as tiny spots or growths, often as small as a pin head. They can grow quite large and cover the entire anal area. Anal warts are contagious and spread easily. The HPV that causes anal warts is also contagious, even when it doesn’t cause symptoms.
Warts are usually painless. The primary symptom is soft, moist bumps near or in the anus. The warts may be light brown or flesh colored. Additional symptoms may include itching, bleeding, mucus discharge or feeling like there is a lump in the anal area.
A physician will evaluate the skin around the anus, as well as the pelvic area, including genitals to detect signs of anal warts. Your physician may perform an exam of the anal canal with a small, lighted scope (anoscope) to detect warts inside the anal canal.
Left untreated, anal warts may grow and multiply. The warts may also increase your risk of anal cancer. Our experienced team offers a variety of treatment options for anal warts. Depending on the location (internal or external) and size of the anal warts, treatment options may include:
- Topical medication using creams. These typically worked best on very small warts located only on the skin around the anus.
- Topical medication (liquid nitrogen) that freezes warts.
- Electrocautery using heat to remove warts.
- Surgery for warts is used when the warts are larger or within the anal canal. This procedure is done using anesthesia. The type of anesthesia and number of procedures required is based on the location, number and size of the warts.
