Anal Warts and Condylomas
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Anal warts and condylomas are a common condition related to HPV that can cause discomfort and require appropriate medical follow-up.
What are anal warts/condylomas?
Anal warts, also known as condyloma acuminata, are growths that appear around or inside the anal canal. They are caused almost exclusively by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Characteristics and Symptoms
Anal warts vary in appearance:
They may be small, discreet, skin-colored or light brown bumps.
They often grow in clusters, forming masses with a cauliflower-like (warty) appearance.
They can be flat or raised and soft to the touch.
Sometimes they are so small that they go unnoticed.
Associated symptoms may include:
Anal itching or pruritus.
Discomfort or pain in the anal area.
Mild bleeding during bowel movements.
Discharge or moisture in the area.
Sensation of a lump or foreign body.
Causes and Transmission
The main cause is infection by certain types of HPV, which is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. Not everyone infected with HPV develops warts, as the immune system can fight off the virus.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is made through a visual examination of the area. Sometimes an anoscopy is required to detect warts inside the anal canal.
Treatment is necessary to remove visible warts and relieve symptoms. The goal is to destroy the warts or stop their growth. Treatment options include:
Topical medications
(Prescription creams or solutions) that the patient can apply at home or that require application by healthcare personnel.
Medical procedures
Performed in the clinic, such as cryotherapy (freezing), electrocauterization (burning), or surgical removal of the warts.
It is important to note that treatment removes the warts but does not eliminate the HPV virus from the body. This means that warts may reappear (recurrence) if the immune system does not control the virus.
Additionally, their detection requires referral to specialized centers for high-resolution anoscopy, as these condylomas can be precursors to malignant lesions.
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