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About Anal Warts Consultations offered in Merrifield and Fair Oaks, Fairfax, Alexandria, Gainesville and Lansdowne, VA
Anal warts are a type of genital wart caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). When left untreated, anal warts may multiply and put you at risk of developing anal cancer. At Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC, the board-certified colon and rectal surgeons provide expert care for anal warts at their offices in Fairfax, Fair Oaks, Alexandria, Gainesville, Woodbridge, and Lansdowne, Virginia. To discuss treatment options for your anal warts, call the office most convenient to you or schedule an appointment online today.
Anal Warts Q & A
What are anal warts?
Anal warts, also called condyloma, are growths that develop on the skin around the anus and in the anal canal. They may first appear as tiny spots no larger than the head of a pin. Over time, the warts may grow larger and multiply, covering the entire area.
What causes anal warts?
Anal warts develop when your skin comes in contact with a strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a highly contagious virus and a common sexually transmitted disease (STD).
You get anal warts when your anal skin directly contacts a wart or HPV. Sexual intercourse is a common means of transmission of the virus.
You may develop anal warts one to six months after exposure to the virus. They appear as soft, moist bumps and may itch, bleed, or drain mucus.
If you have anal warts, schedule an appointment with the specialists at Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC. Your infection may get worse over time and put you at risk of developing anal cancer.
What happens during an anal wart consultation?
Your specialist at FCRS performs a thorough evaluation when you come in for an anal wart consultation. They review your symptoms, medical history, sexual history, and family history.
Your provider closely examines the skin around your anus and may perform an anoscopy to look at the lining of your anal canal and rectum to determine the severity of your infection.
During an anoscopy, your provider inserts a thin flexible tube with a light and camera that sends pictures of your anal canal and rectum to a computer screen.
What are the treatments for anal warts?
Your specialist at FCRS customizes your anal wart treatment plan based on the location, size, and the number of warts you have. Treatment may include:
- Topical creams
- Liquid nitrogen to freeze the warts
- Topical medication that burns the warts
If you have large anal warts or warts inside the anal canal, your surgeon may surgically remove the growths. The surgeons at Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC remove anal warts in stages.
FCRS schedules follow-up visits every six months to monitor for new growth. These regular visits are important in preventing anal cancer.
For expert treatment for anal warts, call Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC, or schedule an appointment online today.