Anal warts are a common problem for many women and men, yet broaching the subject — even with your doctor — can feel a little intimidating or embarrassing. The problem is, if you ignore warts, they can develop into a much more serious problem, including increasing your risk for anal cancer.
As a top-ranked colorectal doctor, Michael H. Tarlowe, MD, has considerable experience helping patients manage anal warts, so they can feel more confident, more comfortable, and more in control of their personal health. If you have anal warts or you think you might have them, here’s why it’s important to schedule a visit as soon as possible.
Like warts that form anywhere else on your body, anal warts are caused by a virus that invades your skin and causes those characteristic lumpy, fleshy growths to form. Like genital warts, anal warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a family of more than 200 viruses, some of which increase your risk of certain cancers.
HPV lives in epithelial cells — the cells on the surface of your skin and on moist membranes (or mucosal membranes). HPV is the most common type of sexually transmitted infection (STI or STD), with 13 million new infections happening every year in the United States alone, according to the CDC. While most infections clear up on their own, others persist, leading to warts and increasing your risk of cancer later on.
HPV infections can infect anyone who’s been sexually active, including teens and preteens. Despite the fact that anal warts form around the anus, you can develop these warts even if you haven’t had anal intercourse.
Like other warts, anal warts are typically very tiny in their early stages — so tiny, you may not notice them. Over time, warts can grow much larger, and they can also spread and form colonies.
Anal warts are typically brownish or pinkish, often blending in with your skin color. As they grow and multiply, you can expect symptoms like anal itching, bleeding, or mucus discharge from your anus. You may also feel a lump or bump when you bathe, shower, or wipe after having a bowel movement.
Dr. Tarlowe diagnoses anal warts through a visual exam, often accompanied by using a special scope to evaluate the area inside your anus. The exam itself is quick and painless.
As noted, the HPV viruses associated with anal warts also increase your risk of developing anal cancer. Treating warts early is one of the most effective ways to prevent cancer and to help you take steps to protect yourself in the future, too.
Anal wart treatment varies depending on several factors, including the size of the warts, how far they’ve spread, and how your warts respond. Topical medications are often the first line of treatment. When it comes to topical medicines, it’s critically important to use them exactly as instructed to help ensure the best results.
For some warts, Dr. Tarlowe recommends a topical preparation of an acid-based formula to destroy the warts. This treatment is performed in our office, with no downtime afterward. Larger warts often require outpatient surgery to remove the entire wart, right down to its roots.
While treatment can eliminate warts, it’s important to know that the virus remains in your body. That means you may need periodic checkups or even retreatment if the growths reappear. You’ll also need to take special precautions to avoid spreading the infection to your partner.
Anal warts can pose serious health risks for you and your sexual partner. If you have symptoms of anal warts, prompt treatment is essential for reducing those risks and for providing peace of mind. Early evaluation also rules out anal cancer, which can also form growths in or around your anus.
To find out if you have anal warts or to learn more about treatment and prevention, call 954-210-7127 or request an appointment online with Dr. Tarlowe in Deerfield Beach, Florida, today.
