Genital Warts
 Genital warts are growths found in and around the genital area or anal regions occurring both in men and women. These warts are caused by human papilloma virus (HPV). Genital warts have a soft, flat, raised surface resembling cauliflower bumps. Genital warts develop in men on the penis, scrotum, and near the anus; and in women they grow on the vulva, vagina, and near the uterus opening called cervix.
This is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) so if you are infected with HPV virus it can be transferred to other people through genital contact or oral sex. The most common way to develop genital warts is having sexual intercourse with a person infected with HPV, even if the infected person has no signs of genital warts. The warts may not occur immediately, but may develop gradually over months or even years. Not everyone who is exposed to HPV will develop warts or the infection. Many people with HPV do not even know they have the infection and pass it on to others unknowingly.
Symptoms
Genital warts do not always produce symptoms so some people do not even know they have HPV and are contagious. Symptoms of genital warts can include mild pain or discomfort, itching, bleeding, visible warts in the genital region, or no symptoms at all.
Diagnosis
Genital warts are diagnosed by common observation. In women, the warts can also be diagnosed by “Pap test” which detects changes on the cervix.
Treatment
Genital warts can be removed either surgically or treated with topical chemicals. No treatment is guaranteed to prevent the warts from recurring since you cannot eliminate the HPV infection. Some of the chemical preparations used include Podophyllum resin, Podofilox, Trichloroacetic acid or bichloracetic acid etc.
Patient-applied therapies such as Condylox and Aldara are very effective for limited involvement.
The surgical treatments for genital warts are as follows:
- Cryotherapy: In this therapy the warts are frozen with liquid nitrogen. The warts will fall off after the treatment.
- Laser treatment: Laser treatment is effective for large areas or recurrent warts. Topical creams are applied on the warts to absorb light radiation and increase the effectiveness of the laser treatment. The laser physically destroys the warts.
- Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP): A thin electrified wire instrument (loop) is used to cut out and remove the warts.
- Electrodessication and curettage (ED&C): Electric current is used to heat the tissue and burn the warts off followed by cauterization to stop bleeding.
Talk to Dr. Resnik about any concerns you have about warts and the best treatment options for your particular situation.
Click here to schedule your consultation with Dr. Resnik
See complete Wikipedia article here.
For more information from the American Academy of Dermatology click here.
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