Anal Warts
ANAL WARTS/ CONDYLOMA ACUMINATA
INTRODUCTION
This is a flesh growth on the peri-anal skin or the anal mucosa. The growth can extend into the rectum. It is an uncomfortable condition.
The prevalence of anal warts is increasing in Ghana
WHAT CAUSES ANAL WARTS?
Anal warts are closely associated with Human Papilloma virus infection with is a very contagious infection spread by skin-to-skin contact and through sex.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ANAL WARTS?
- They start as tiny growths on the peri-anal skin and increase in size to become fleshy pink exophytic lumps
- Anal Itching
- Anal discharge with offensive smell
- Bleeding
HOW CAN ANAL WARTS BE PREVENTED?
- Avoid sexual contact with people you not know or those known to have anal or genital warts
- Limit sexual partners to one
- Always use of condom when having sex
- Abstinence
- Sexual partners should be check for HVP and other STDs
- Vaccinate against HPV
HOW ARE ANAL WARTS TREATED?
Untreated anal warts increase the risk of anal cancer. The treatment of anal warts include
- Topical creams. Used in small warts
- Freezing the warts with Liquid nitrogen
- Topical medications that burn the warts (podophyllin, Trichloroacetic acid)
- Electrocautery
- Surgical excision
DO THE WARTS RECUR AFTER REMOVE?
Warts may come back after removal. Continued surveillance allows these recurrent warts to be diagnosed when small in size for less aggressive treatment to be used to treat them.
Prof Jonathan CB Dakubo