WHAT ARE ANAL WARTS?
The disease known as “condyloma acuminata” or “anal warts” effects the region around and inside the anus. The epidermis around the Anal warts treatment genital region may also be impacted. They may start out as minuscule growths or spots that are no bigger than a pinhead, but they can eventually get quite large and encompass the entire anal region.
They typically have a flesh- or brownish-colored appearance. The majority of the time, they don’t hurt or bother people, and patients sometimes aren’t even conscious that they have warts. Itching, bleeding, mucus secretion, and/or the perception of a lump or mass in the anal region are among the symptoms that some patients may experience.
WHAT CAUSES ANAL WARTS?
The human papilloma virus (HPV), which spreads from person to person through physical touch, is what causes warts. The most prevalent sexually transmitted illness is thought to be HPV (STD).
It’s essential to remember that anal intercourse is not required for the development of anal condylomata if you receive this diagnosis because you might feel disturbed. A sexual partner’s secretions or physical touch with the anal region can both cause HPV infection. You may have lately acquired warts despite having been exposed to the virus years ago or through previous sexual partners.
HOW ARE ANAL WARTS DIAGNOSED?
Your doctor may ask about the existence or lack of risk factors, such as a history of anal sex, a positive HIV test, or a persistently weakened immune system, even though it may be awkward and difficult to bring up (medications for organ transplant patients, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, etc).
The anorectal inspection and assessment of the perineum (the area of the pelvis that encompasses the penile or vaginal area) should take up the majority of the physical examination in order to search for warts. To rule out any tumour, a digital rectal check should be conducted. An anoscopy is frequently carried out to search for additional tumours in the anal cavity. To aid in visualisation, a tiny device the size of a finger is inserted into the anus. Speculum inspection is another option.
CAN I PREVENT MYSELF FROM GETTING WARTS?
Using safe sex practises is the best method to guard against contracting HPV or any other Disease. Avoid engaging in sexual activity with those who have vaginal or anal tumours. Sexual abstention, condom protection, or restricting sexual interaction to a single companion will lessen the contagious virus that causes warts.
This is because many people may not be conscious that they have this condition. However, since HPV is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact and can reside in areas not protected by a condom, using contraceptives whenever having any kind of sex may lessen, but not entirely eradicate, the risk of becoming infected.
Prior to HPV exposure (sexual activity), the U.S:
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the vaccine Gardasil in certain patients aged 9 to 26 in order to prevent the emergence of HPV-related cancers and associated precancerous lesions.
This vaccine protects against certain types of HPV that are more frequently responsible for cervical and other HPV-related cancers (called dysplasia). If you might be a possibility for this immunisation, your doctor might advise that you get tested.
It is unclear how the immunisation will help avoid anal warts and anal cancer, though:
In order to prevent the onset of HPV-related cancers and associated precancerous lesions in certain patients aged 9 to 26 prior to HPV exposure (sexual activity), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the vaccine Gardasil (vaccine against certain types of HPV that more frequently cause cervical and other HPV-related cancers) (called dysplasia).
If you think you might be a possibility for this immunisation, your doctor might advise having your medical history reviewed. The vaccine’s contribution to preventing anal warts and anal malignancy is unclear, though.
DO THESE WARTS ALWAYS NEED TO BE REMOVED?
Yes. If the tumours are not removed, they typically enlarge and spread. Warts may raise the chance of anal cancer in the affected region if they are not treated. Thankfully, the likelihood of anal malignancy is still extremely low.