Anal HPV Warts, Dysplasia, Cancer

Anal warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease. Often, the diagnosis is made by the proctologist while evaluating the patient in the office for perceived hemorrhoids. Although anal warts are an STD, anal intercourse is not necessary to develop the condition. Contact to the anal area from a hand, or from secretion from a sexual partner can result in anal condyloma. It’s not uncommon for patients to be asymptomatic following exposure to HPV and then present with symptoms several years later. HPV vaccines, which protect against the most aggressive forms of the virus, do not protect against many other common subtypes that can still cause disease.

Depending on comorbidities, the subtype of virus causing the infection, and behavioral risks factors, there may be a higher risk of developing anal cancer. As such, the goals of management include treating the visible lesions, ruling out malignancies, and instituting a surveillance program to reduce the risk of progression to an advanced malignancy.

Our expert doctors treat anal warts and perform surveillance to prevent and catch anal cancer in the comfortable setting of our office. There is usually minimal discomfort and patients are able to drive themselves home afterwards.